Russian ambassador highlights potential gas exports to Bahrain

The Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom of Bahrain Viktor Smirnov said that a series of talks took place regarding the supply of Russian gas to Bahrain, citing the recent talks between Russian President's Personal Representative and Chairman of Russia's Gazprom Company Viktor Zubkov and Energy Minister Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza who discussed various matters related to the oil, gas and energy sector.
The ambassador told Al-Bilad newspaper that the provision of Russian gas is likely to begin in 2017 upon completion of the necessary infrastructure for gas importation and storage in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Regarding methods of Russian gas conveyance to Bahrain, the ambassador said that gas will be transported by sea from Moscow to Bahrain.
And regarding issuance of entry visas to citizens to Russia, Smirnov said that his country waived Gulf diplomats from entry visa to Russia and there are efforts to validate this service to businessmen. Meanwhile ordinary citizens can obtain entry visas from Russian airports, he added.
When asked about the impact of oil price on the Russia's economy, the ambassador said that the drop in oil prices constitutes a big economic crisis to oil exporting countries including Russia whose oil revenues are more than 50%.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom told Al-Ayam newspaper that the majority of Bahrainis participated in the 2014 democratic parliamentary and municipal elections. Ambassador Smirnov added that national dialogue will develop under the dome of parliament, expressing his hope that the new parliament will seek to develop the relationship between Russia and Bahrain.