Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries have agreed to meet in Moscow by the end of the year, a Russian energy ministry spokeswoman said Friday.
"The minister [Sergey Shmatko] has held talks with representatives from OPEC, and they have reached a preliminary agreement to hold a seminar in Moscow," the spokeswoman said, adding it may take place by the end of this year.
She said relations between the world's largest oil exporting country and OPEC are developing in a positive direction, but noted that "Russia will continue to protect its national interests."
Russia sought to strengthen ties with OPEC toward the end of 2008, when oil prices fell sharply. Russia, the biggest crude producer outside of OPEC, has proved unwilling to cut output this year to support prices.
On the contrary, Russian producers have increased output this year. Several OPEC members have complained Moscow hasn't acted on its pledge to join OPEC's oil production cuts.