Brussels, 12/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - During their meeting on 9-10 June in Saint Petersburg, G8 finance ministers predicted strong economic growth and showed little concern about developments in inflation (according to the American, John Snow, the USA is “happy”). The main focus of these discussions, however, focused on energy security and in their press release, ministers highlighted “greater transparency and reliability” of data on the energy market, as well as more investment in the sector and energy efficiency. On the other hand, divergences between Russia and its partners on the subject of the Charter on energy were borne out and Russian minister, Alexei Koudrine criticised the Charter again, for being outmoded. However, Russia, agreed for the first time, that the press release make a reference to the Charter (therefore, the G8 “recognises the importance of principles in the Charter on Energy”). The French minister of finance, Thierry Breton considered that this was already significant progress.