Russia's Gazprom, Rosneft Sign Partnership Deal

Rosneft drilling for oil in Siberia (ITAR-TASS) November 28, 2006 -- Russia's state-controlled energy giants Gazprom and Rosneft today signed a wide-ranging cooperation agreement.

Under the accord, the companies will cooperate in exploring and producing crude hydrocarbons. The statement also said Gazprom will buy natural gas from Rosneft.

Both firms have been consolidating their control over Russia's energy industry in the past few years.

(AP, AFP, ITAR-TASS, gazprom.ru)