Congressman Ryan, Chancellor Merkel Talk LNG Purchases from US

Congressman Tim Ryan met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier today as part of a series of meetings led by the Congressman as part of the 30th Annual Congress-Bundestag Seminar of the Congressional Study Group on Germany.

In addition to Merkel, the group met with members of the German Bundestag, members of the European Parliament and German businesses. Congressman Ryan will host a German Delegation to Ohio in 2014.

During the meeting with Chancellor Merkel, Congressman Ryan spoke with the Chancellor about Germany purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. Russia is currently Germany’s largest supplier of natural gas.

“It was an honor to lead this delegation to Germany. After an hour dialogue with Chancellor Merkel on various topics, we had an opportunity to speak about the issue of our natural gas supply in Ohio. I believe she is very interested in increasing competition for natural gas and buying it from a strong strategic ally that shares their values, especially an appreciation for the rule of law,” said Congressman Ryan. “If we play our cards properly, the natural gas boom in our region is an opportunity to both sell this resource abroad and create jobs at home.”

Congressman Ryan added, “I will continue to use my position as head of the Congressional Study Group on German and my relationships with German officials and businesses to maximize exports to Europe, as well as show the world why the Tech Belt region is a good place to invest their money and grow their companies.”

The Congressional Study Group on Germany, a bipartisan organization, is an international program of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) and is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. The mission of the FMC is to connect members of Congress with foreign legislators to explore together matters of mutual importance.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, March 28, 2013; Image: timryan.house.gov