On the occasion of the working visit to France of Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, a meeting was held today in Paris between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom and Christophe de Margerie, Chief Executive Officer of Total.

The parties discussed the progress with the first stage of the Shtokman field development, including the operating company’s activities related to preparation for the final investment decision to be taken in 2010.

In addition, the meeting addressed the prospects for further cooperation between the companies in the marketing and LNG sales fields.

Âackground:

On July 13, 2007, Gazprom and Total entered into the Framework Agreement on the basic terms and conditions for cooperation at the first stage of the Shtokman gas and condensate field development. A similar Agreement between Gazprom and StatoilHydro was signed on October 25, 2007.

Pursuant to the agreements, a special-purpose company, Shtokman Development AG, was set up in February 2008. Gazprom holds a 51 per cent stake in the company, Total – 25 per cent and StatoilHydro – 24 per cent.