New Russian president with international view

Mr. Medvedev, the third president of the Russian Federation, comes from the post as Deputy Prime Minister. The new president also has long experiences from Russia’s energy major Gazprom, where he for several years has served as board chairman.

The inauguration ceremony today takes place in the Moscow Kremlin. Dmitrii Medvedev becomes the youngest state leader in Russia in hundred years.

Barents Sea

During his years as board chairman, Gazprom has developed into one of the biggest energy companies in the world with major ambitions on the global arena. In this period, the company has also made the Barents Sea and the Shtokman gas project a top priority.

In this process, it is likely that Dmitrii Medvedev has got comprehensive information about the situation in the Barents Sea

For Norway, which shares borders with Russia in the Barents Sea, the new president could become an important ally in the development of the rich resource potential of the area.

Internationalization

The internationalization of Gazprom over the last few years might be seen as an indication of the new rule of Dmitrii Medvedev. In several speeches, Mr. Medvedev has highlighted high ambitions for the modernization of Russian economy, more trade and competitive industry. Judging on the words of the new president, Russia will in the years to come continue to strengthen its role in the international economy.

Such an approach might be good news for the Barents Region – a region standing on the threshold of a major boost of industrial developments and subsequent growth in cross-border trade.

Civil society

Mr. Medvedev’s stress on open economic relations comes at the same time as he underlines the important role of civil society in Russia. The new president is a man, who repeatedly has highlighted the vital position of the mass media, public organisations and democracy. International cooperation with Russia might see good days coming with Dmitrii Medvedev as president.