Russia and Qatar are planning joint projects to develop gas deposits on the Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Arctic, the energy ministers of both countries said in a joint statement on Monday.

The statement was signed by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko and his Qatari counterpart Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah.

"The parties have come to agreement on further cooperation through the joint implementation of oil and gas projects in Qatar and Russia, including the development of Yamal gas reserves," the statement said.

Last week, a Russian government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, who oversees Russia's fuel and energy complex, visited Qatar, one of the world's largest gas producers, and presented projects for cooperation.

In particular, Russia's largest independent gas producer, Novatek, expressed interest in involving Qatari partners in the Yamal LNG project, which will draw resources from the South Tambeiskoye gas condensate field with estimated gas reserves of 1.3 trillion cubic meters.

ORAN (Algeria), April 19 (RIA Novosti)