International energy cooperation, in particular Russia’s proposed new approach to building a legal framework for cooperation in this area was the subject of discussion.
The President said in his opening remarks that Russia is willingly and actively involved in work to come up with a new agreement on climate change to replace the Kyoto Protocol after 2012. This work needs to take into account Russia’s national interests and also the collective responsibility it shares with the other big emitting countries for greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Medvedev said that global climate issues must become the impetus for making the economy more competitive and ensuring a better quality of life for the people.
The President also noted that a new international agreement on climate change could open up real new opportunities for Russia to expand its scientific and innovation cooperation with other nations and encourage development not just in science but also in the processing sectors, through the spread of highly efficient and low-emission technology.
During the meeting, Mr Medvedev heard reports on the current state of the energy sector and on progress in repair work at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station.