OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin played a leading role in establishing constructive cooperation between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-cartel states. This was stated by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo on Tuesday in the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society, speaking on the topic "OPEC and Russia: a new era in international energy cooperation".

According to him, over the past three years, relations between OPEC and Russia have reached a new level. The development of positive interaction contributed to the conclusion of a declaration on cooperation between OPEC countries and non-OPEC countries. These steps were based on trust and mutual respect and led to the conclusion of a multilateral agreement to optimize joint efforts in the oil market.

24 OPEC + countries at the July meeting in Vienna in 2019 signed a charter of perpetual cooperation. The document is an obligation that will be fulfilled on a voluntary basis by each of the participating countries and does not create any legally binding relations between them. Participation in the charter is voluntary and open.