The electing of Dmitri Medvedev as president of Russia mat change the relations between Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). At least, this is the hope expressed by the head of the cartel, Chakib Khelil, as expressed on Wednesday, in a press conference of the organization. Experts believe that Moscow will not give up its position as an observer, which doesn't put Russia under any pressure and does not impose restrictions for its exports, RBC Daily reads.

"We did not receive any demand or reaction on this issue from Russia. We always wished to see important oil producing countries as full members of the organization", said Chakib Khelil for Bloomberg Television.

Russia participates as an observer since 1998. Moscow was invited to join the cartel in 2000, but rejected it. The electing of Dmitri Medvedev as president of Russia mat change the relations between Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). At least, this is the hope expressed by the head of the cartel, Chakib Khelil, as expressed on Wednesday, in a press conference of the organization. Experts believe that Moscow will not give up its position as an observer, which doesn't put Russia under any pressure and does not impose restrictions for its exports, RBC Daily reads.

"We did not receive any demand or reaction on this issue from Russia. We always wished to see important oil producing countries as full members of the organization", said Chakib Khelil for Bloomberg Television.

Russia participates as an observer since 1998. Moscow was invited to join the cartel in 2000, but rejected it.