OREANDA-NEWS. January 17, 2013. As part of a long-term partnership agreement, Gazprom Neft and the government of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra will continue implementing substantial initiatives to support athletic programs, the development of social infrastructure, and the implementation of large-scale cultural projects.

In 2013, Gazprom Neft — funded construction of a modern preschool educational center will complete in Khanty-Mansiysk. A new 120-apartment residential complex will also be funded by Gazprom Neft. The company will continue to participate in the development of the Khanty-Mansiysk, Surgut, and Nizhnevartovsk districts.

Besides social support, the cooperation agreement includes programs for the conservation of energy and improvement of energy efficiency and upgrading of production, as well as the implementation of investment projects and cooperation on environmental matters. Under the agreement, Gazprom Neft will provide a steady supply of petroleum products to Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra.

"Gazprom Neft has had partnership relations with Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra for many years. It is there that one of Gazprom Neft's main production enterprises, Gazpromneft Khantos , operates. Gazpromneft Khantos has been expanding its production volumes each year," noted Alexander Dyukov, Gazprom Neft Chairman of the Management Board. "We will continue further to implement joint projects to improve the quality of life and maintain a beneficial investment climate in the region."

One of the company's largest-scale projects in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra is the construction of an avant-garde-style building for the Chess Academy in Khanty-Mansiysk, which has been declared winner of the "Best Building" international architectural competition. Furthermore, Gazprom Neft has built for its employees a modern residential complex equipped with an autonomous energy conservation system. In November 2012 in Khanty-Mansiysk, the opening of the Gazpromneft Khantos office center, which was erected using energy-saving technologies and modern engineering and architectural solutions, took place. Gazprom Neft actively participates in the region's cultural life. The company traditionally serves as a general partner of the Spirit of Fire international film festival.