Tony Blair: Russia will become great power in 21st century

The potential of Russia's energy sector is colossal and huge, said British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Russo-British energy summit in London. He added relations with Russia in the near future, when Great Britain begins importing more energy resources than now, will have a deciding character.

This will be a fundamental strategic link in the future, stated the British premier.

In his opinion, economic co-operation between the two countries will also become a favourable basis for our common security.

The British premier expressed confidence that Russia's joining the world energy markets will let it occupy the leading place in the world, and it is worth it.

The British premier is convinced that Russia will retain its position of a great power in the 21st century.

Blair pointed to the need for investing in the environment protection in parallel with energy development and expressed hope that the International Conference on Climatic Changes in Moscow scheduled for September will help solve this problem.