Russia’s controversial ambassador again criticises Croatia for its attitude towards his country.
“Economic and energy cooperation was the topic of the historically important meeting in October 2017 when President Kolinda Grabar Kitarović talked with Russia President Vladimir Putin for five hours. I believe she had never had such a long conversation. The Russian president then suggested that Russia could help Croatia, and ten days later the Russian energy ministry sent an official letter on Russia’s potential involvement in Croatian energy sector, but we are still waiting for answers from the Croatian government. That is neither nice nor polite, although I know that the Croatian government may be under pressure,” said Russian Ambassador Anvar Azimov, reports Poslovni.hr on May 18, 2018.
“The Russian role will also be important in the construction of an LNG terminal on the island of Krk because the EU will always have to import Russian gas, even though they say they want to be energy independent. Why do they want to reduce dependence on Russian gas, but not on Norwegian gas?” asked Azimov. “We do not want to be EU’s competitors in building the LNG terminal. It is said that the terminal will be constructed with 100 million euro invested by the EU, but that is not enough money, and Russia could give you billions. Believe me, we are the most reliable partner you could ever have. Putin said that Russia would complete the gasification process in Croatia, but he is still waiting for an answer. The Croatian side has received a proposal about a larger supply of oil and gas from Russia at a reasonable price, so I believe that cheap Russian gas will reach Croatia. Even Americans are buying gas from us because it is cheaper,” said the ambassador.
He added that president Putin also suggested that the Russians could refurbish power plants in Croatia. “Russia's presence in the Croatian energy sector is relatively modest at the moment, with the exception of Lukoil’s 55 fuel stations, while Janaf is making good money on Russian oil exports to neighbouring countries. We have a strategic agreement with PPD until 2027. Other countries in the region are earning a lot of money from doing business with us – Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The refinery in Pančevo in Serbia has received investment in the amount of 600 million euro, and more will be invested. We want to invest in Croatia as well, but there must be political will. We are certain that Russia can do more for Croatia than the US and the EU put together,” the ambassador noted.
Asked about the possible purchase of shares in the Croatian national oil company INA, Azimov said that Gazprom had such an idea several years ago, but it was rejected in 2015. “Everything depends on MOL and Croatia. We are ready, but we are waiting for a response from MOL and the Croatian side.”
Asked if there were hidden motives in the energy sector, Azimov said, “No, we do not have any geopolitical plans in Croatia, we do not want to disturb your relations with neighbours and the EU. We have never used out support for political pressure. We want Croatia to be strong and self-sufficient and maintain good relations with the EU and the USA. The problem is sanctions, and I hope they will be abolished since they are harming the EU.”
In the end, Azimov added, “Croatian ministers like me because I am very straightforward and open, and I accomplish what I promise. I always bring specific proposals and invitations to visit Russia to our meetings. You need Russia.”
The Russian ambassador is known for giving bombastic statements about the way Croatia and Russia should cooperate. He first came into the media focus in early 2017, when he gave a statement in which he announced that Russia’s Sberbank would no longer finance Croatia’s Agrokor group, which marked the beginning of the dramatic events concerning the embattled food and retail giant, consequences of which can still be felt daily in Croatia’s economy and politics.
