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Russia is the world's largest producer and exporter of energy and the United States is the world's largest consumer and importer of energy. As such, there are many reasons to seek better and more numerous associations at all levels. The Russian energy sector is relatively new, as are all economic sectors, having formed only after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Reform in the energy sector is moving rapidly now that political and economic stability have been achieved. The split between the state and private company control of the sector will probably develop with changes in energy economics just as it does in other producing countries. It is likely the beneficiaries of Russia's vast reserves of oil and gas will be those countries who choose to include Russia among their strategic partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]