Rosneft expects to continue contacts with ExxonMobil

MOSCOW, July 30 (Itar-Tass) - Only extraordinary sanctions against Russia can make U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil sever ties with Russia’s Rosneft oil company, Rosneft chairman of the board Alexander Nekipelov said on Wednesday. “Exxon relations with Rosneft are a deep cooperation designed for decades,” he said. “However, if the U.S. adopts legal measures, Exxon might be forced to stop or suspend cooperation or sharply restrict it.” This, however, was highly unlikely, he added. “As far as we know, Exxon does not have plans to stop cooperation with Rosneft, and we hope the situation will not go that far,” Nekipelov said. Common sense should prevail, as this cooperation was of benefit for both countries and the entire world, he said speaking of exclusive oil fields in the Arctic. The sanctions adopted cannot critically affect the Russian oil sector, the official added. “The sector is strong enough and will overcome the difficulties. Sanctions do not mean an immediate stop in any processes, the work will go on,” Nekipelov said adding some plans would be probably revised and some alternatives would be necessary. On Tuesday, the U.S. introduced export licensing for goods intended for some oil projects in Russia, which means closer attention to requests for trade with companies on the black lists. Learn more on itar-tass.com