OPEC hosts farewell luncheon for the Russian Ambassador in Vienna, HE Vladimir Voronkov

The OPEC Secretary General, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, with members of OPEC Secretariat management, today hosted HE Vladimir Voronkov, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna, to a farewell luncheon in Vienna.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the OPEC and non-OPEC dialogue and his work in helping bring about the historic ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ between 24 OPEC and non-OPEC producers, the Organization also presented him with a plaque of honour.

HE Barkindo praised HE Voronkov and highlighted his “very instrumental role in the extensive consultations that brought about the landmark ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ between 24 OPEC and non-OPEC producing nations in December 2016.” He added that he “greatly appreciated the close personal relationship they had built up over the past year.”

The Ambassador in turn thanked the Secretary General for hosting him to the farewell lunch, together with his colleagues in management and further commended him for kick starting the Energy Dialogue between OPEC and Russia. He acknowledged the strategic importance of the OPEC / non-OPEC cooperation to the sustained stability of world oil markets.

OPEC and Russia have had an ongoing and productive high-level energy dialogue since 2005. The OPEC Secretary General reiterated “the extremely important and positive role that the Russian Federation continues to play in the global energy scene.” He added that he was very happy to see “the energy dialogue advancing significantly in recent years and I believe it will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

HE Barkindo also wished HE Voronkov every success in future roles, with the Ambassador leaving his current role in Vienna in the near future.