RIA Novosti cited Mr Dmitry Peskov Press secretary said Mr Vladimir Putin President signed a decree on Friday creating a Presidential Commission for strategic development of the oil and gas industry and ecological protection.

He said that "The chairman will be President Mr Putin and the executive secretary Mr Igor Sechin."

He added that the constituents of the committee and its mandate have been affirmed, but did not give details.

Mr Sechin is currently head of Russia largest oil company, Rosneft and before that was Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for the energy sector.

Source – RIA Novosti

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