Gazprom Neft is negotiating cooperation with Japanese companies in its Arctic shelf projects. There is hope that the parties will find common prospects, Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak told RIA Novosti in an interview during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"Regarding the letter I sent to my Japanese counterpart last July, I primarily wanted to introduce him to Gazprom Neft's opportunities and to state the company's interest in involving Japanese companies into our Arctic shelf projects, as well as in arranging negotiations with our prospective Japanese partners," Mr. Novak said in response to the question on whether he received a reply from Japan regarding cooperation with Gazprom Neft on the Arctic shelf.

"As far as I know, certain measures are being taken at the corporate level. We hope that our companies will find common prospects," he added.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has become a major global platform for business communities to discuss key economic issues. This year it is taking place on June 1-3.