Bodman in Moscow, Bratislava Agreement

Energy Secretary Bodman in Moscow to Pursue Cooperation in Energy and Nuclear Security Matters

Moving Forward on "Bratislava Agreement," Crafted by Presidents Bush and Putin Earlier This Year

WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman today arrived in Moscow, to advance energy and nuclear security cooperation between the United States and Russia as part of the Bratislava initiatives outlined by Presidents Bush and Putin during their summit in February of 2005.

"Russia is a critical partner of the United States in both energy security and nuclear security. I look forward to advancing the Bratislava agenda with my Russian counterparts by increasing energy trade and investment and strengthening our cooperative nuclear security efforts to benefit both our nations,” said Secretary Bodman

During his trip, Secretary Bodman will meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, and will hold discussions with Alexander Rumyantsev, Director of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency; Viktor Khristenko, Minister of Industry and Energy; Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and German Gref, Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

Secretary Bodman's visit to Moscow is the first leg of a trip that will also take him to Baku, Azerbaijan and Kiev, Ukraine. In both countries, he will hold discussions with senior officials on a variety of energy and nuclear safety issues, including encouraging the development of diverse energy resources, promoting market transparency and investment, and advancing nuclear nonproliferation.

SOURCE: energy.gov/ Anne Womack Kolton, 202/586-4940, Drew Malcomb, 202/586-5806, Number: R-05-117 May 23, 2005