Dear friends!

I cordially greet you on the opening in St. Petersburg of the VI WPC Future Leaders Forum.

It is important that Russia is chosen to host such a large-scale event. I see this as a recognition of the significant contribution of our country to the development of international cooperation in the energy industry and to the activities of the World Petroleum Council. And, of course, it is an evidence of successful experience of preparing and conducting the main industry events — the World Petroleum Congress in 2014 in Moscow.

The current forum provides participants with good opportunities for professional communication with reputable scientists, experts, and leaders of the top companies from different countries. This interaction is very important, because the challenges, that the oil and gas industry is facing, are becoming more difficult and responsible every year. The industry is developing dynamically and international cooperation is becoming a key condition for the effective implementation of large projects in the fuel and energy industry, reliable energy supply safety and lowering of environmental risks.

The future of the oil and gas complex, its competitiveness and expansion of the resource base largely depends on you — young leaders, on your willingness to make brave, out-of-the-box decisions, to achieve goals, and to build up an equal and mutually beneficial partnership.

I wish you fruitful, constructive work and all the best,

Vladimir Putin

 (Roscongress. Photo Bank)