Russia's Novak, US ambassador discuss energy cooperation

Russian energy minister Alexander Novak discussed bilateral energy cooperation with the US ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, on Thursday, according to an energy ministry statement.

The meeting comes amid concerns that the US will introduce fresh sanctions against Russia. Potential targets include the Nord Stream 2 pipeline designed to ship Russian gas to Europe as well as Russian cooperation with Venezuela.

Novak said the ministry is ready to renew energy dialogue with the US partners on areas of potential cooperation, including ecology and analysis of the oil and gas market. He added that Russia is willing to increase cooperation through international platforms like the G20 if partners take a constructive approach.

"We welcome cooperation on a corporate level -- companies from our countries have expressed interest in broader cooperation and unlocking new investment potential," Novak said, according to the statement.

US companies' activities in Russia have been heavily restricted by sanctions introduced in response to Russia's role in the conflict in Ukraine.

Novak said US sanctions "restrict development of mutually beneficial cooperation, and are an example of unfair competition," the statement said.