Skolkovo Foundation President Viktor Vekselberg and Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni, in the presence of Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the principal terms for the cooperation between the parties in R&D of new technologies related to the energy sector, Eni said in a news release.

The Skolkovo Foundation, the innovation center located nearby Moscow and dedicated to the high technology and scientific research field, will enable Eni to have access to the Russian technological innovation sector, which includes innovative enterprises, cutting-edge technology products, and advanced research, development, and scientific education programs, according to the release.

Eni said it will provide its industrial experience and technological know-how and will contribute to the research and educational activities of the foundation.