Russia-Bulgaria talks

Russia-Bulgaria talks
4 March 2019 17:00


Dmitry Medvedev held talks with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov.

Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov

Russia-Bulgaria talks

Documents signed

Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov following talks

Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov




Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov

Russia-Bulgaria talks

Excerpts from the transcript:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,

Indeed, this is my first official visit to Bulgaria as head of Government, although we met in Moscow and at the ASEM summit in Brussels last year.


Mr Prime Minister, thank you for inviting me and my colleagues so that we can exchange views on the current state of affairs in our relations and discus the economy and major projects. In fact, we have already started this discussion. We have plenty to strive for, as in recent years some of our economic cooperation numbers have improved, while others, unfortunately, worsened, especially if we look at last year’s results. However, the intergovernmental commission has resumed its activities. The Minister of Industry, who heads it on our part, is present here. We have major projects, some of which you and I have already discussed, in the energy sector and the gas, oil and nuclear industries. We have great tourism cooperation. Our holiday-makers love Bulgaria, and we will even have a special forum on this subject tomorrow, where we will discuss cooperation in tourism between our countries.I would like to take this opportunity to once again wish you and all citizens of Bulgaria a happy national holiday, the Day of Liberation from the Ottoman Yoke. This date is important for our countries. In 2018, the 140th anniversary of Bulgaria’s liberation was celebrated, and in July we will celebrate the 140thanniversary of our diplomatic relations.



On a separate note, I would like to thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for being able to strike a deal with the weather gods so that we can enjoy this beautiful weather now. Clearly, this bodes well for our relations. I hope it will be instrumental in helping us achieve good results.

Thank you for the invitation.

Boyko Borissov: Thank you once again for acknowledging our holiday.

There are many complicated issues in these complicated times. As an EU and NATO member, Bulgaria is undergoing a period of diminished trade between our countries.

Working together, we have managed to resolve this problem in tourism. Tomorrow we will discuss the ferry crossing between Burgas and Novorossiysk among other issues.

Russia has made a huge investment in a children’s camp (Kamchia Spa and Health Complex). So, all is well, more or less, on this front.

As for the Balkan gas distribution centre, we made it clear that Bulgaria will take part in the gas transit system for the simple reason that this initiative rightfully belongs to it. If gas transit to Turkey is discontinued, our pipes will remain empty and be at the disposal of the gas transit system. We are doing nothing other than seeking sources of gas from Russia and Azerbaijan in order to fill pipelines in Bulgaria. Our decision is clear and coordinated with the European Commission. This is a gas hub – that is what we call this gas distribution centre. Just as in the case of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, we can handle the transit and sale of about 15–16 billion cubic metres. South Stream was supposed to transport 60 billion, and this a mere 15 billion. I don’t see any reason why Bulgaria should give up this advantage over all of its neighbours as it has the best gas transit compressor system.

As for the Belene nuclear power plant, the situation has changed with the loss of time. The Arbitration Court in Paris ruled in no uncertain terms that the two reactors belong to Bulgaria which will have to pay 1.176 billion with interest for them.

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Documents signed following the talks:






The signing of joint documents

– Protocol on amending the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and Social Policy Biser Petkov;

– Protocol on amending the Agreement between the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria on the application of the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Bulgaria on Social Security of 27 February 2009
Signed for Russia by Minister of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Labour and Social Policy Biser Petkov;

– Programme of collaboration in the tourism sector between the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2019–2021
Signed for Russia by Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin; for Bulgaria by Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova;

– Plan of consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria
Signed for Russia by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Grushko; for Bulgaria by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yuri Sterk.
Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov after talks

Excerpts from the transcript





Statements for the press by Dmitry Medvedev and Boyko Borissov after talks

Dmitry Medvedev: I have just concluded bilateral talks with my colleague, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov. At first we had a limited attendance meeting and then an expanded one. Our dialogue is always marked by an open and absolutely constructive atmosphere. We discussed in detail our bilateral agenda and interregional contacts between our countries, and mapped out plans for the future. The most important point is that we reaffirmed our mutual desire to promote bilateral contacts and relations on the full range of issues.

I am hoping that our Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation that resumed its work last October after a three year interval will be able to analyse everything that is happening. I made a point of noting this because regrettably we have such commissions with far from all EU countries, not to mention the lack of major meetings between the Russian Government and the European Commission. This is bad because if there are no contacts, there must be doubts in each other and a feeling that someone is holding things back. I hope that this mechanism, our Intergovernmental Commission, will still produce results for us, notably, raising the level of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our countries. Let me remind you that our trade was about $5 billion before the imposition of any type of restrictions or sanctions, whereas now it is about $3 billion. Obviously, this means lost jobs and is probably no good either for Bulgaria or Russia.

Unfortunately, the status of our trade and economic ties is fairly complicated, although Russia remains one of Bulgaria’s major trade partners. We export energy to Bulgaria and Bulgaria supplies us with machines and equipment, and medications. However, since sanctions were imposed, it no longer supplies us with some goods – once again I am not sure this is a good thing. Although there are no indicators of a major increase in bilateral trade, there still exists a wide corridor of opportunities. I hope we will manage to restore the pre-crisis level of cooperation we had in 2012.

What else would I like to say? Of course, energy cooperation remains a flagship of our relations. We will continue energy cooperation although we also had problems in this area. First of all, I am referring to the TurkStream project. But we must consider the experience of the past few years. It was not the most pleasant experience we had with South Stream. I hope we will be able to discuss further concrete steps after we receive relevant guarantees – and not from the Bulgarian Government. I am referring to reliable guarantees from the European Commission to the effect that this project will not collapse and will not face any obstacles. I hope our Bulgarian friends also understand this and will work accordingly. I have spoken about this with my colleague.

Another major energy project is the Belene nuclear power plant. We are ready to consider our participation in this electric power project. We have just spoken about this. Our Rosatom Company has vast experience participating in such projects. Importantly, these are projects on EU territory.

My third point is about people-to-people ties. We and our Bulgarian friends share the opinion that we should expand our contacts in education, science and art, and use, in particular, interregional formats for this purpose. Over 80 Russian regions and cities have twin relationships with Bulgarian municipalities. This is a good foundation for developing trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our regions. Our countries have similar views on many issues, primarily historical events. Last year, we celebrated the 140th anniversary of the end of the Russo-Turkish War, in the course of which Bulgaria was liberated. This year we will mark another important anniversary for our countries. I have already spoken about it. This is the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Bulgaria.

I am sure that if we dig through the history, we can turn up plenty of memorable dates that we share in common that could be used for enhancing bilateral cooperation, all the more so – and this is no secret – as people in our two countries are interested in each other’s culture. Russians eagerly spend their vacations in Bulgaria. They occupy fifth or sixth place in the total number of tourists to your country. Naturally, we are always glad to welcome Bulgarians who are planning to travel in our country. By the way, this issue will be discussed at the Russia-Bulgaria business forum on tourism tomorrow.

In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borissov for the warm reception and a very candid conversation. We agreed to continue our relations in this vein.

I am very pleased to visit Sofia where I have not been for a fairly long time. I hope our meetings, which should be regular, and direct intergovernmental contacts will help promote Russia-Bulgaria cooperation.

Thank you very much for your invitation once again.

Boyko Borissov (via interpreter): Colleague, ministers, I congratulate you on signing the agreements.

We are preparing similar agreements on cooperation between our police departments and in sports. They will be ready for signing very soon.

We have met at a very difficult time for the world. The new arms race exceeds the indicators of the Cold War. The threat to the world has never been so huge before. I am one of those who would like common sense to prevail and the sides to resume talks, because a military conflict in this situation would be deadly for the whole world. I sincerely hope that it will not happen. We are ready to do all we can to promote a positive scenario.

Tomorrow we will discuss tourism. We are strengthening cooperation between our police departments in light of the large number of Russian tourists and Russian citizens who have property in Bulgaria. We will be discussing cooperation prospects in this sphere. Mr Medvedev and I discussed the development of interaction between our law enforcement agencies and a maximally free exchange of information when necessary.

As for the gas sector, it is true that we sustained major damage, in particular, Gazprom, whose platforms were located in Burgas. The pipes were already delivered to Burgas and Varna when the European Commission launched the procedure to impose a fine. It is logical that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev mentioned the European Commission’s guarantees. Complaints have been voiced against Bulgaria, although we want to maintain good partner relations with Russia. I would also like to say clearly that Bulgaria does not need additional gas – this is for the critics of the idea of the Balkan gas distribution hub. At present, between 14 and 16.7 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas are delivered to Turkey via Ukraine. This is how much gas will bypass Bulgaria when TurkStream becomes operational; our pipes will be empty.

I would like to ask what investments we can expect in our gas distribution and compressor system. We are not talking about the Russian side. Bulgaria would like to continue to receive at least as much gas as it received before.

Potential deliveries under Nord Stream were estimated at 60 bcm. This figure has been cut to 15 bcm. Talking about Bulgaria’s dependence when the figure is only 15 bcm is unacceptable.

My colleague has no doubts about the loyalty and decency of Bulgaria’s relations with the European Union. We would like at least to preserve the current volume of gas transit. I want this to be perfectly clear. It is not surprising that Mr Juncker said there are no complaints about the gas distribution hub. Gazprom has declared an interest in this. We are now working on a project to build an LNG terminal with Greece. It will ensure diversification, and we will keep our position on the gas market.

In other words, we would like to remain at the current level in terms of gas volumes. If there are any national traitors, they are the ones who want our investments to go down the drain and the equipment to be sent to the scrapyard.

When we complete this pipeline, the volume of gas will increase. We have stated our position clearly. Yes, there must be a public tender and maximally transparent operations, so that no complaints are possible against us or our partners.

As for the Belene nuclear power plant, I have raised this issue again because it concerns Bulgaria’s interests. After the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration ruled that Bulgaria must pay 1.2 billion euros, plus interest, for the two reactors built by Russia but which belong to Bulgaria already, you kindly allowed us not to pay any interest. We have paid for the equipment, and we now have two generation 3+ reactors.

Russian participation can take different forms. We will know which after the tender, which we are now preparing. I believe the Rosatom head is satisfied with the standards of our efforts to prepare the tender. It will be a maximally open and honest tender in which all our major partners will participate. They have already declared their interest.

Yes, we are one of the few countries that are protecting their coal-fired power plants. I don’t know how long we will keep this position, though, because allowable emissions are becoming increasingly expensive. We are grateful to Rosatom for increasing the service life of our reactors. In 15 or 20 years we will have to shut down major generating capacities; we will be unable to use hydropower or electricity generating systems. In other words, we will have to import energy 10 or 12 years from now.

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There are forces that are against your presence, that want us to choose between NATO and Russia. But we have said clearly that Bulgaria is a NATO member and yet a good partner of Russia. And we would like the Black Sea to remain a sea of tourism and friendship. This beautiful sea is too small for warships. I urge Russia and my NATO colleagues to launch talks. No matter how difficult a decision, it must be taken eventually. There are issues on which we disagree, but talks and meetings can help us move forward. I may have missed some of the issues, but we will be able to discuss tourism, culture and religion at the Russian-Bulgarian business forum tomorrow.

Our relations are developing as planned. We need to maintain the combat ability of the fighter planes we bought in Russia at least for the next few years, until we buy new planes. We are not threatening anyone; of course, we are a great power but we approach our tasks and goals pragmatically.

This visit is very important for me, because 3 March is a national holiday in Bulgaria. We always pay tribute to fallen heroes. We laid a wreath to such a monument together. We must respect the fallen, all those who have done so much for our country. We are delighted to welcome you to Bulgaria.

Jens Stoltenberg has visited us recently, and now you have come to Bulgaria. Some people look for a connection between these two visits. And nobody thinks that we need to discuss delicate issues.

Dmitry Medvedev: What my colleague has said is wonderful proof of a simple truth: fighter planes can fly anywhere, but it is more important for gas to flow where it is needed to fire power plants. I believe that we should work together with our Bulgarian colleagues towards this goal.

Dmitry Medvedev lays a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia
4 March 2019 16:30 Sofia, Bulgaria



Laying a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Sofia

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier was unveiled in 1981 on the 1300thanniversary of the Bulgarian state. It is a symbol of national gratitude to those who died for the freedom of Bulgaria over its centuries-old history. The monument is located on the historical Alexander Nevsky Square, by the southern wall of the Saint Sofia Church that gave its name to the Bulgarian capital.


There is also a statue of a lion (the symbol of Bulgarian statehood) near the composition. It is the only remaining part of a 1936 monument that was never finished. The monument was designed by architect Nikola Nikolov and sculptor Lyuben Dimitrov as a sarcophagus in which holy soil from all across the country with the remains of known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom is stored. At the foot of the sarcophagus there is an eternal flame that was delivered from the Shipka Pass.

Dmitry Medvedev’s interview with the Luxemburger Wort newspaper

Dmitry Medvedev’s interview with the Luxemburger Wort newspaper
5 March 2019 00:00


The Prime Minister spoke with Luxemburger Wort correspondent Stefan Scholl ahead of his visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg





Dmitry Medvedev’s interview with the Luxemburger Wort newspaper

Question: Mr Medvedev, tiny Luxembourg is a financial capital of Europe, and most politicians in Luxembourg are not overly enthusiastic about the sanctions against Russia. Are you going to our country to propose a new Moscow-Luxembourg strategic axis?

Dmitry Medvedev: You know, speaking about a “strategic axis”… it is not spoken about nowadays but way back in the early 2000s Russia came out with a proposal to establish a common space of cooperation from Lisbon to Vladivostok. And if contacts between Moscow and Luxembourg can contribute to its formation, Russia would welcome that by all means.

The fact that Luxembourg is unenthusiastic about anti-Russia sanctions is explained, as we see it, by the fact that your country keeps faith with its foreign policy traditions. We are impressed by your national motto “We want to remain what we are.” It is so important in today's world – preserving one’s identity and taking pride in one’s country.

But to be honest, I don’t see any particular enthusiasm across the European Union for anti-Russia sanctions. You remember that they were imposed in the context of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West when the US and some European nations supported the armed coup in Kiev in February 2014.

Question: To be sure, there are very few who are enthusiastic about the sanctions. However, all the EU nations still support them including Luxembourg. They are considered detrimental and bothersome here yet still a necessary response to Russia’s actions in Crimea and the violent “Russian Spring” in Donbass. Do you think it is a total misapprehension?

Dmitry Medvedev: Look, everyone is entitled to their misapprehensions. But I can never agree that the sanctions are a “necessary response.” Necessary for whom? For Crimeans who made their free and conscious choice in a referendum, one of the most democratic processes? Or for the Russians in eastern Ukraine? I am sure they have a totally different view of the so-called peaceful Ukrainian “winter, summer and autumn” if we follow the logical succession of your “Russian Spring in Donbass.” The situation there is very difficult despite Russian humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands of people are living in virtually the centre of Europe in the 21st century under an energy and transport blockade. In fact, it is a humanitarian disaster. And unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to a complete settlement. This is mainly due to the unconstructive stance of the Kiev authorities which apparently are not going to implement the Minsk Agreements, and yet sanctions are imposed against Russia. Strange logic.

What was the principle objective of the sanctions? To undermine our economy. The attempt has failed, as you can see. Today, the sanctions only impede relations with European partners, to say nothing about the losses incurred by everyone. Because we also had to impose sanctions in response. But we immediately said that we did not start the sanctions war. And we are ready to lift our sanctions as soon as the other side takes the first step. Yet the European Union, as if spell-bound, follows the US and keeps extending its sanctions year after year.

Let’s be frank, nobody needs this or benefits from it. And its “corrective effect” is zero. Many of our partners realise the futility of this approach. And it matters greatly that Luxembourg is among them.

Question: How do you assess the level of Russia-Luxembourg cooperation against the backdrop of sanctions?

Dmitry Medvedev: The sanctions definitely do not help the cause of mutually beneficial trade and investment. It is a classic example of missed opportunities, both for Russia, Luxembourg, and the European Union in general. And it does not make the world economy any better either.

However, even in such unfavourable conditions our cooperation is progressing. Two-way trade has been growing for several consecutive years. The Grand Duchy remains an important investor in the Russian economy. The numbers speak for themselves: by the middle of 2018 the FDI total had reached $19.6 billion. Another promising area is cooperation in the sphere of innovation. Let me note that in 2017 your Prime Minster Xavier Bettel took part in the Open Innovations forum that we hold in Moscow every year. And last year Luxembourg was represented by one of the largest delegations of around 40 companies! I am sure there would have been more without the sanctions-based restrictions.

We value our good relations with all nations. This is why we advocate moving forward in our relations with Luxembourg, on the principles of equality and mutual respect, of course. This is the sentiment I come bearing to the Grand Duchy. And I expect it will be reciprocated by our Luxembourgian friends.

Question: Luxembourg is not a nuclear state but several NATO bases with nuclear weapons are deployed around it. Should we be concerned that your new hypersonic nuclear missiles might land in our gardens?

Dmitry Medvedev: Our hypersonic missiles are of high precision and reliability. So your gardens are absolutely safe. On a serous note, we never threaten anyone, and we are even less likely to attack someone or wage a war. In our view, any attempts at nuclear blackmail lead to greater international tensions. It is in our interest to see Europe living in peace and stability. And we certainly engage in dialogue with NATO member-countries. We cooperate with them on a number of issues, and we do so constructively. And we expect the same approach from our partners.

Everyone will be more at ease when all US nuclear arms return to US territory and the infrastructure in Europe to store, maintain and promptly deploy those weapons is eliminated. This also applies to the military exercises to prepare for the use of nuclear weapons which are held by NATO countries on a regular basis. These drills add nothing but unwanted stress, primarily to the NATO countries themselves.

Question: But we are also worried about Russia, which keeps unveiling and testing new nuclear weapons. By deploying strategic 20 to 27 Mach missiles your country does not look like a bastion of peace.

Dmitry Medvedev: Missile speed is a technical characteristic, not a sign of peacefulness. We naturally strive for the most cutting-edge and effective weaponry. But let me reiterate – not for attacking. We have a genetic aversion to war, if you will. We regard our nuclear arsenal exclusively as a means of deterrence, a guarantee of Russia's national security. This is stated in our Military Doctrine which is purely defensive in nature. By the way, it is an open document and anyone can read it.

And, by the way, it is the United States of America, not Russia, that is withdrawing from the INF Treaty, a cornerstone treaty in global security. This is why the Russian President signed an executive order suspending the INF Treaty as a symmetrical response until the US remedies its violations under it.

Question: Nord Stream 2 is now being vigorously debated in Europe. Opponents of the project point out that there is already a transport system via Ukraine, there are politically more reliable suppliers and that the demand for natural gas in Europe will drop in the coming decades. What motives is Russia guided by in the implementation of such large projects as Nord Stream 2?

Dmitry Medvedev: Our motives are quite obvious. I have repeatedly said this. First, economic feasibility: indeed, in commercial terms, Nord Stream is a very interesting project, for all of its participants.

Secondly, it will reduce transit risks. Russia has been operating on the European gas market for several decades. We value our reputation as a reliable partner. And we want to be sure that we can continue to fulfill our obligations in full. So we are creating an additional transport corridor for the supply of our gas. Please note that I am saying additional, not alternative. The share of Russian gas in EU gas consumption is now around 30%. Nord Stream 2 will not fundamentally change this situation. It will only cover part of the imports required by the European Union, using a more stable and cheaper route compared to the existing one. This is a clear win for European consumers.

Question: But will Europe need Russian gas?

Dmitry Medvedev: We operate under the assumption that Europe will remain a big consumer of Russian natural gas regardless of the rapid progress in green energy and the LNG segment. At any rate, as long as decisions are made that are economically sound. Or unless a really revolutionary breakthrough occurs in energy technologies.

Russian gas supplies to the European market have grown in recent years. And the prospects are generally good, for a number of objective reasons. In particular, due to the decline in European production at old fields in the North Sea and the partial abandonment of coal, and in some countries, of nuclear power generation. And of course, due to the need to back up renewable sources of energy, which, although attractive from the environmental point of view, are still not very reliable from the energy point of view.

So, I think, Russian gas will cover a substantial part of the European countries’ energy needs for the foreseeable future.

Question: German Chancellor Angela Merkel keeps saying that the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine must be continued even when Nord Stream 2 is in place. What do you say to that?

Dmitry Medvedev: We have a similar view as Ms Merkel on the issue. But Russia, as a long-standing and large supplier of fuel, is trying to diversify gas delivery routes to the European market since the more transit routes, the more reliable the supplies

I would like to specially emphasise that we are not terminating transit through existing pipelines. Neither the Nord Stream 2 nor the TurkStream projects include such decisions – neither in relation to Ukraine, nor to other countries. In particular, we are ready to continue the transit of gas through the Ukrainian GTS after 2019 – under certain conditions, of course. We have laid them out more than once. In short, they include a settlement between stakeholder companies, favourable economic and commercial terms in contracts, and a stable political environment.

Question: In Europe, many are concerned not only about the fate of your polar bears, but also about climate change. In the face of global warming, many European countries are actively preparing to switch from traditional fuels such as oil and gas to alternative energy sources. Why are there so few such projects in Russia?

Dmitry Medvedev: To clarify up front, I support the development of alternative energy. But so far, its share is really small, not only in Russia, but also in other countries. And, although in the next two decades we are unlikely to be able to completely abandon hydrocarbons, we still need to develop renewable energy – solar, hydro, and wind generation.

Today, power stations that do not rely on hydrocarbons account for about 20% of the global energy balance. Their share is growing, although this process is not as rapid as we would like it to be. By the way, our country is one of the leaders in the field of hydropower generation. About 18% of electricity in Russia is produced by large hydroelectric power stations.

Owning a house fully powered by clean energy from the sun or wind certainly remains a cherished dream for many. This requires so-called microgeneration – units with a capacity below 15 kilowatts. This is especially relevant in Russia with its large expanses. So we are working on creating the conditions for its development. A draft federal law has been prepared; three weeks ago, it passed the first reading in the lower house of our parliament, the State Duma.

Question: Do you plan to expand the use of such energy sources?

Dmitry Medvedev: In Russia, renewable energy is developing briskly at an industrial scale. The amount of energy generated by such units has grown by 150% over the past year. A full cooperation chain has already been created in the Russian solar power industry, from research labs and manufacturing of solar modules to the construction and operation of solar power plants. In the wind energy sector, consortia are now being created between the leading players on the Russian market and major global manufacturers, including European companies. Work is underway to develop the production of equipment and components. Such enterprises are opening in the Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod, Ulyanovsk, and Leningrad regions. We are also creating the most favourable conditions possible for investors who work in this area.

Question: In recent years, many in Russia have harshly criticised Europe and its ways, often denying that Russia is part of the European cultural and political landscape, even though Russia has been one of the main pieces of Europe’s political architecture and a major cultural component for several centuries. Do you think Russia is a European country or not?

Dmitry Medvedev: Russia is a democratic country; we can have different opinions and views on Europe and its values – including criticism. But they did not emerge in the last few years, as you say. Suffice it to recall the controversy between the Slavophiles and the Westernisers in the middle of the 19th century, which involved the outstanding minds of their time.

This debate still continues in some sense. We are definitely inseparable from Europe, from the political, economic, and civilisational processes taking place on this continent. And at all times, we have never been a closed space, never closed to international contacts.

A truly united Europe is unthinkable without Russia. Many European politicians at all times were aware of this. For example Charles de Gaulle, who, as you know, first proposed the concept of Greater Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals.

Historically, Russian civilisation is an integral part of global civilisation, and Russian culture is part of European culture. At the same time, Russia is a unique country. We have always sat at the crossroads of western and eastern civilisation. This is only natural given our geographical location and huge territory, much of which is located in Asia. We have learned to understand the culture of the East, which enriched us and had a significant impact on various spheres of our life. In this sense, we have come a long and difficult way, something few European countries can boast. And we are definitely not going to forget about it. It is not our way to set the Western and Eastern elements against each other; quite on the contrary, we see this as our advantage. Lev Gumilyov, a remarkable scholar and historian, said Russia is a unique country that harmoniously combines elements of the East and the West.

Question: But ideological confrontation has become mainstream in Russia. Such as the word "Gay-Europe" heard on political talk shows on Russian television. And the officials believe that post-Christian values hold sway in Europe which radically differ from the traditional values of Russians.

Dmitry Medvedev: There is always heated rhetoric in the media of any country. They gin up controversy to generate interest. But it would be odd to equate talk show guests and the stance of officials. In this case each word spoken on TV would lead to a dozen diplomatic notes of protest.

As for the value system, it evolves over decades, and actually centuries. And it is by no means directed from the top down or by signals in the media. Obviously, each person chooses their own path and predilections. It is unacceptable to interfere in private, intimate matters. We are definitely not going to peek in the bedroom and condemn what goes on there. However, we are not going to promote something that runs counter to the beliefs of the majority of people in Russia. In this respect, Europe’s history differs from ours. You must respect other peoples’ traditions rather than impose your own standards on other nations.

I am confident that the main things for all of us is happiness, well-being, and the safety of the people residing in our countries. Our views totally coincide on that. We have a lot in common with Europe. Our peoples have always been in close contact. To be sure, there have been wars and periods of cooling. But all the same, interaction and cultural exchanges continued. We must not forget so-called popular diplomacy, which has always been there regardless of the political situation.

Question: What do you think is the most important element in relations between Russia and Europe in the 21st century?

Dmitry Medvedev: As for our current relations with European countries, I can say with confidence that the European Union has been and remains an important trade and economic partner for us. Despite the recent difficulties and persistent attempts by the United States to hinder the development of our relations, I am confident that there are no objective obstacles to constructive cooperation between Russia and the EU. We are so closely interconnected – historically, culturally, economically, geographically – that ultimately there is only one path for us to follow, the path of cooperation

RUSSIA's latest

On 5-6 March, Dmitry Medvedev will pay an official visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
25 February 2019 13:45

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel will hold talks to discuss current matters relating to Russia-Luxembourg trade as well as economic and investment cooperation. A number of bilateral documents will be signed following the talks.

On 4-5 March, Dmitry Medvedev will pay an official visit to Bulgaria
25 February 2019 13:30

During his visit to the Republic of Bulgaria, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will meet with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and other officials.

The talks will focus on current matters relating to Russia-Bulgaria trade, as well as economic, investment, scientific, technical and cultural interaction, the implementation of joint projects in the field of energy, industry, the agro-industrial sector, tourism plus other spheres.

Plans call for signing a series of documents on cooperation in various fields.

Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answered media questions..

Answers to media questions


Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko answered media questions following a meeting on the development of the Russia-Belarus cultural and humanitarian ties, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation in culture, education and sports.
February 15, 2019
15:00
Sochi



Answers to media questions following a meeting on the development of the Russia-Belarus cultural and humanitarian ties.

Question: Mr Lukashenko, Mr Putin,

You have been working for the past three days, and everyone wants to know how the problem related to Russia’s tax manoeuvre was solved…

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: The President and I just a moment ago said that this question would be asked right after the meeting. I felt that this question would be asked as if it was the biggest problem in relations between Russia and Belarus.

This problem does exist, but I am honestly and sincerely telling you, and the President will confirm this, I believe that we have not even mentioned this subject during these three days.

Do you know why? Before the new year, and you monitored the situation too, we agreed with the President (and you did not believe in it much) that we would begin a revision of our relations from the bottom up, starting with the issues of the various directions of our cooperation.

You may have noticed that today, alongside ministers, our colleagues, we reviewed our cooperation in culture, because this area has so far not been given much attention by us presidents. The President of Russia and I tend to speak more about finance, the economy, industry, deliveries, exports, imports, and neglect cultural and humanitarian cooperation. And, as the President just said, a person cannot live without this, nor can the problems that need to be solved be solved. There are several areas of cooperation.

Earlier, we met with the bloc of ministers of the economy, finance, etc. First they discussed their issues face to face, and then we did the same.

We also agreed with the President long ago that we need to assess the development of our allied relations within the framework of Belarus and Russia and to review the Union Treaty and to see what we have failed to implement in the past few years.

We are honestly telling each other that we are not eternal, and that we will be gone someday. As politicians, we cannot help but feel concerned about the legacy that we will leave behind to our children, and how they will continue our policy.

We discussed an entire range of matters before New Year’s Eve, and we are continuing to do this today; I would like to point out that we are doing this from the bottom up. No one prevents us from meeting, while at the same time gathering substantial knowledge …

Today, after hearing what Russian and Belarusian ministers said, I admitted that I don’t know a lot of things; this concerns our joint cultural and sports events, as well as education, etc.; I know a bit more about sports which is in the spotlight. The people of Russia and Belarus have ploughed through a huge layer, while cooperating in all these spheres.

Therefore we saw this and enriched our knowledge in many fields. Before taking serious steps, including the development of the Union State, we should not only know all this as presidents, but we need to assimilate this, so that we could feel convinced about this.

Therefore we have been working in various areas for three days. Yesterday, my colleague invited me to attend the final event of the summit on Syria; and I am grateful to him for this. We are not involved in these events; nevertheless, I found it very useful to attend the presidents’ meeting. And I noticed (addressing Vladimir Putin), and you probably noticed that we reviewed the entire agenda of international relations yesterday, and each president set forth his viewpoint. It is also very useful to know this.

Therefore, we will come to discuss the tax manoeuvre; but, apart from this, we face many other matters that no one will resolve except us. In any event, we should launch this process, and we are doing this. We are doing this not only while sitting at the table, but we are also carrying this out in sports. Mr President and I went mountain skiing and we will visit some other sports facility today. Tomorrow, I am planning to go to Domracheva’s track with a rifle, etc. In effect, practice is also important here.

The Lord did not endow us with the talent of painting pictures; we will not do this, but we will look at them.

I am grateful to the President for this centre. He was thinking what should be done here right in my presence, and I was watching closely. And we are already repeating the Russian Federation’s experience; therefore we have gathered here at Sirius.

Just look, how many topics we have raised. I am making impromptu remarks. You would be even more surprised if we sat down and listed all our activities in the past three days. Therefore manoeuvres are not the only thing that keeps people going.

Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I fully support what Mr President has said.

I just want to remind you that we will mark the Union Treaty’s 20th anniversary in December. The President of Belarus and I have agreed to analyse everything we have done recently and coordinate our positions on the integration agenda, keeping in mind that other integration processes are being developed in parallel, including the EAEU.

We must determine where we are ahead and where we are lagging behind what is happening within the EAEU. After all, the momentum for the establishment and development of the EAEU was initially provided by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, but it was based on the understandings reached within the framework of the Union State. The Union State was to a certain degree a locomotive of integration in the post-Soviet space.

Now the EAEU has even surpassed it and some of the things contemplated by the Union Treaty of 1999 are no longer relevant. Some things are not relevant anymore while others, on the contrary, are gaining momentum and have become very important.

The purpose of our meetings over the past three days was to analyse what has been achieved, what has not been done and what needs to be done, and to consult our colleagues from different fields: the economy, finance, industry, humanitarian sphere, sports, culture and education.

We wanted to listen to them, to find out what they think of the current state of affairs and interaction prospects and determine together with Mr President what we see as most important, promising and possible to accomplish in the near future, in the mid-term and in a more remote perspective. It seems to me that we have done this.

Apart from that, I invited Mr President in the hope that he will be able to take a break for two or three days and ski down these wonderful slopes. Maybe we will also play hockey today.

So, it seems to me that the objectives we set ourselves in planning these meetings have been achieved.

Question: Mr Putin, Mr Lukashenko, I have a question about the Union State: how far will the integration go? In December, when talking to the Russian media and answering a question from my friend, Mr Lukashenko expressed concern over Belarus’ sovereignty. Did you touch upon this issue?

Alexander Lukashenko: Listen, why would we discuss the sovereignty of Russia or Belarus? It is a sacred thing, an icon. You are a Russian citizen, an ordinary individual, so I can ask you: are you ready to give up or trade your sovereignty? I am not talking about independence.

To me, independence is a relative term, while sovereignty is everything within our borders. No one, not any state – and China is an example –would ever discuss sovereignty. Therefore, we do not have any problems with it and do not discuss it even in this context.

We presume that there are two states today. You know how they were formed: it was not me or the President who initiated the collapse of that state, and we share a common opinion on this issue. It so happened that there are two states.

If you were there to hear our ministers today, you would be pleased: we did not disagree on anything. Honestly, I thought when listening to their reports, look at Ukraine, another Slavic state, there appeared a huge gap in the past few years [between it and Russia and Belarus]. And we speak the same language and have a common approach to problems.

Vladimir Putin: And there are results.

Alexander Lukashenko: Exactly, results…

You had a head start on Sirius. I remember thinking, “So we have built it all, and what will we do now and how?” I asked, “What are you going to do with these [Olympic] facilities?” He said, “No worries.” And he gave me a tour around, explaining what he would do here and there. I thought, yes, it would be good but it is not that easy. And he did it! So I say we will do the same.

Therefore this is what is key for us, so it is not about sovereignty. In my opinion, and I think my colleague and friend will agree, we are ready to go as far as you are ready to go in uniting our efforts, states and peoples.

Listen, we could unite tomorrow, we have no problems with that. But are you, Russians and Belarusians, ready for this? This is the question. So you should ask yourself this question. We will execute your will to the extent you want us to. If you are not ready, then however powerful and large Russia is, it cannot impose its will on anyone. And we certainly will not do that, and we do not need to do it.

So you should be ready in your mind. You, I mean the people of Russia and Belarus, should set goals and we will implement them, we are your servants.

Vladimir Putin: Sovereignty and independence are closely related, of course. But we discussed yesterday and two days ago what the President just said: there are no absolutely independent states in the world.

Alexander Lukashenko: I would immediately add, not even Russia.

Vladimir Putin: All countries, including the largest and smallest ones. The contemporary world is a world of interdependency.

Look at, say, Western Europe. The European Parliament has adopted more obligatory decisions for all EU members than the USSR Supreme Soviet adopted for its republics. Would you call that independence?

Or, say, military alliances, such as NATO. Do you think that any European country would want the US’s intermediate-range missiles to appear in Europe? Nobody wants that, but they keep quiet. Where is their sovereignty? But, apparently, they believe that in general, they are interested in such an organisation where they put some of their sovereignty.

We have already created supranational bodies within the EAEU – such as the EAEU Commission – and have given it some national powers. But even within the EAEU there is interdependency. And we gave it part of our sovereignty and independency because we understand that it will provide our countries with greater competitiveness.

We should also sort out in a business-like and friendly manner in what direction we can move forward within the Union State without hurting any country or people, but on the contrary, creating better conditions for the future of our countries.

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT latest

Conversation with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the PRC to the Russian Federation Li Hui
7 February 2019 17:30 Moscow


The Prime Minister visited the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and talked with China’s Ambassador to Russia Li Hui.

Excerpts from the transcript:





Conversation with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the PRC to the Russian Federation Li Hui

Li Hui: On behalf of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Premier of the PRC State Council Li Keqiang, I would like to convey to you sincere New Year’s holiday greetings and wishes. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important holiday for China. It is different from others in that it gathers all family members at one table. Today you are celebrating the Chinese New Year with us. We are very grateful to you. I would like to thank you again for coming here.

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, colleagues.

I would like to congratulate you and the friendly people of China on the Lunar New Year. This is indeed your biggest holiday and it is a great holiday. We are happy to have this opportunity to meet with you today and to convey our warmest words, our friendliest wishes to the Chinese people.

Some time ago I promised Mr Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, that I would visit you one day. Although visits are not made very often, it was very important for us to visit our Chinese friends – the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, on such a wonderful holiday. I am not sure that we haven’t spoiled your holiday and vacation with this visit because the Chinese people have two weeks off. But as far as I know, the Ambassador and the Embassy employees are working nevertheless. Thank you for receiving us at this time. Please allow me to convey to you, and via you, our best wishes and greetings on the Lunar New Year to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang.

We hope to continue our productive contacts in the New Year as well so as to promote the spirit of partnership, our strategic partnership, and cooperation, which has distinguished our relations in the past few years.

In 2019, it will be 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. In this respect, our visit to the Chinese Embassy is also symbolic. Once again, we are happy to congratulate you on thus big holiday.

Li Hui: Thank you. I am happy to welcome you to our Embassy. This is a big honour for us.

THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT news

Dmitry Medvedev meets with principal officers of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
5 February 2019 16:00 Gorki, Moscow Region


The Prime Minister met with ISO President John Walter and ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica.

Excerpts from the transcript:


Meeting with principal officers of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). With ISO President John Walter

5 February 2019


Meeting with principal officers of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). With ISO President John Walter and ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica

5 February 2019
Следующая новость


Meeting with principal officers of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). With ISO President John Walter

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Walter, Mr Mujica, welcome. I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you and to discuss interaction between our country and the International Organisation for Standardisation.

I just attended a meeting devoted to industrial development in our country, which speaks volumes about the role of standards. We discussed the need to introduce modern standards (I am talking about some of our country's industries), and the need to create international standards that would be applicable in our relations with our partners, including the Eurasian Economic Union. I hope that your current visit to our country will be successful, improve mutual understanding, and enhance our country’s participation in the major work that you do.

John Walter (via interpreter): Thank you very much, Mr Medvedev. We are honoured to have this opportunity to meet with you. We do not often meet with prime ministers. Our presence here and the fact that we, the Secretary-General and I, have come here, says that we are striving to build up our ties and at the same time shows that Russia has close ties with the ISO. After all, Russia was one of the founding countries of the International Organisation for Standardisation and is a prestigious and authoritative member of our organisation.

Separately, I would like to note that one of the goals of our visit is to emphasise the importance of Russia's participation in the ISO, as well as the importance of what we can do to help Russia derive all the possible benefits of using international standards.

RUSSIA's latest news..

Gathering in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Local Council and the Patriarch's enthronement


The President visited the State Kremlin Palace, where events are being held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Local Council and the enthronement of the Patriarch.
January 31, 2019
17:30
The Kremlin, Moscow




At the gathering in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Local Council and the Patriarch's enthronement.

Earlier, the President met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and heads of the delegations of local Orthodox churches from different countries who arrived in Moscow to participate in the festivities.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Holiness, primates and representatives of local Orthodox churches, priests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am glad to welcome all of you in the heart of Russia, in the Moscow Kremlin, with its holy shrines that mean a lot to every Orthodox believer.

Today’s gathering is dedicated to a special date. At the end of January 2009, the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church met to elect a new primate – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

I would like to warmly and sincerely congratulate His Holiness on the 10th anniversary of his enthronement.

In December 2017, we came together to celebrate the centenary of the restoration of the patriarchate in our country and recognised the decisive role played by the primates of the Russian Orthodox Church in many respects in the destiny of the Fatherland, the greatness of their devotion and service to our people.

Like his outstanding predecessors, Patriarch Kirill carries out his archpastoral mission with honour. Abiding by the Christian commandments, he seeks to help people find their way to the church, to bolster their faith, and to support them in word and deed. His wisdom and honesty, his openness and generosity have earned him respect and trust both in Russia and far beyond its borders.

His Holiness and Orthodox hierarchs, together with representatives of other traditional religions, are making a significant contribution to strengthening social harmony, helping resolve profoundly important, sometimes very sensitive issues that people are concerned and worry about.

I know how much has been done in recent years to expand the Church’s social services; the enormous, tireless work in this area the churches are doing, bringing in volunteers, benefactors, and all those who seeks to selflessly help other people.

This work is invaluable; it cannot be measured by statistics, but still, allow me to cite a few figures.

In 2009, there was only one church shelter in Russia for women with children who ended up in difficult life situations. Last year their number grew to 58. More than 100 new humanitarian aid centres have opened. Nursing care and social rehabilitation services are developing.

The Russian Orthodox Church is always found where people are experiencing difficulties; it is always with people who are in trouble. That was the case in the summer of 2010, when Russia was confronted with the elements, when fires raged across many regions of our country; that was the case in Krymsk and in cities and villages of the Far East affected by floods.

Today, the Russian Orthodox Church coordinates and contributes to over 6,500 social projects, thereby significantly strengthening the efforts of the state and society in this area.

I would like to offer special thanks to Patriarch Kirill and the Church for the spiritual guidance of the Russian army. Your sincere, heartfelt words help the soldiers and officers to defend their homeland with honour, instil in them confidence in their military prowess and moral righteousness.

The educational activities of the ROC deserve great respect, as do the restoration of old churches and the building of new ones. Patriarch Kirill and I recently attended the ceremony to consecrate the foundation of one of them – a majestic cathedral commemorating the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War, named the Resurrection of Christ.

The noble devotion of the Russian Orthodox Church extends over its entire canonical territory. And we are grateful to His Holiness for his constant attention to our compatriots and the support of foreign communities, for his tireless work to build trust between countries and peoples, to expand humanitarian contacts.

I must emphasise that such honest, impeccable service that Patriarch Kirill demonstrates is an example of true love for the Fatherland and for our people, and the successes achieved in this field lay the foundation for the development of the Church for decades to come.

Your Holiness, participants of this solemn gathering,

Today, as for many centuries before, the high purpose of the Russian Orthodox Church remains exceptionally important.

I emphasise that the state will continue to actively promote constructive partnership with the Church in all significant areas, primarily, bringing up younger generations, preserving cultural heritage and solving pressing social problems.

Russia faces major challenges and ambitious goals and, without exaggeration, historic tasks in demography, social development and improvements in the quality of life, as well as efforts to achieve economic, scientific, and technological breakthroughs.

But we are well aware that in order to reach new heights, it is important to preserve our identity, unity and solidarity, which rely on values that have been cherished at all times by Orthodoxy and other traditional religions of Russia, such as compassion, honesty and justice, caring for your neighbour and family, respect for parents and children and, of course, love for the Motherland.

Neglecting these values can lead to the most destructive consequences, to the depersonalisation and degradation of the individual, and make people victims of the most vile and base manipulations.

To reiterate, the common duty of cooperation and responsibility of the state, the Church, religious leaders, and society lies in preserving and strengthening our spiritual, moral and ethical foundation, passing it on to the young, to future generations, so as not to lose ourselves in an era of turbulent global change.

Of course, we hope that the Russian Orthodox Church will remain an effective force for peace, promote friendship and neighbourliness, and support our compatriots and people belonging to Orthodox culture.

Brotherly interchurch ties have historically united nations and served to promote equitable relations between Russia and many foreign countries.

Unfortunately, we can see other examples as well where speculation, politicking and parasitism on matters of religious life have led to disunity among people and provoked anger and intolerance.

Precisely such a project that is unrelated to faith and is false through and through, focusing on the struggle for power, is unfolding in Ukraine. Regrettably, the Patriarchate of Constantinople got dragged into it. In fact, we are witnessing flagrant interference in church life. Its initiators seem to have taken after the godless people of the previous century, who expelled believers from churches and attacked and persecuted the clergy.

To reiterate, the state, the Russian authorities consider any interference in church affairs to be absolutely intolerable. We have and will always have respect for the independence of church life, all the more so in a neighbouring sovereign country. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to respond and do our best to protect human rights, including freedom of religion.

In closing, I would like to once again congratulate Patriarch Kirill on the occasion of a significant date, ten years since his enthronement. I wish His Holiness vigour, longevity and every success in his archpastoral work. May your prayers keep the Russian Orthodox Church and our Fatherland.

Thank you.

Dmitry Medvedev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discuss bilateral economic cooperation and integration in the Eurasian Economic Union
29 January 2019 18:10

Today, at the initiative of the Armenian side, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The officials continued their discussion of current issues in Russian-Armenian trade, economic and investment cooperation following their 25 January meeting in Moscow. They also touched on the subject of integration cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union.

RUSSIA:Government meeting

Hosting the 2019 World Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk
24 January 2019 12:30 Government House, Moscow


Government meeting.

Excerpts from Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks:





Government meeting

We will begin our meeting with the preparation for the 29th World Winter Universiade, or World Student Games, which are to be held in Krasnoyarsk from 2 to 12 March.

Russia has hosted many major prestigious international competitions: the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, the FIFA World Cup this year. Many athletes and fans from different countries called them the best yet and noted the warm and hospitable atmosphere, the excellent work of all services, the security. The same is also expected from us now. I am sure that we will live up to these expectations.

Preparations for the Universiade have been going on for over four years in parallel with the preparations for the FIFA World Cup. Our previous experience helps. At this moment, we are basically ready.

About 50 billion roubles have been allocated from the federal budget over the four years to organise and hold the Universiade. And more than 30 billion roubles came from the Krasnoyarsk Territory budget. Thirty-four capital construction facilities were built from the ground up or renovated. They include sports complexes, centres, tracks, medical institutions, houses, dormitories in the Universiade Village – generally speaking, all that is required.

Hopefully, Krasnoyarsk itself is also ready for the international competitions. The city facilities were repaired; residents of dilapidated and hazardous buildings were relocated to new housing. Equipment was purchased for city needs. However, we understand that there are still some details that have to be taken care of. About five billion roubles were provided for these purposes from the federal budget in 2018 and the regional authorities have also allotted their funds. Let’s hope that everything is done to the utmost.

There is great interest in the event. Over 110,000 fans from different countries have bought tickets and received invitations to the sport competitions. More than 40,000 volunteers applied. Five thousand out of them will be accepted, so the competition is stiff.

The Universiade will last for 10 days but its legacy will remain for many years to come. That was the case in Kazan, Sochi, Moscow, St Petersburg and other Russian cities which hosted major international competitions. I hope that all sport centres, ski slopes, skating rinks and training grounds will be in demand. This will give thousands of our people an opportunity to play sports and exercise. And this outcome of the Universiade is no less important than the medals and records of its participants.

RUSSIA: Press statements following talks with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe

Talks with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe


Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, who arrived in Russia on a working visit at the invitation of the Russian President.
January 22, 2019
18:20
The Kremlin, Moscow






Following the talks, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe made statements for the press.

The two leaders discussed the state of and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian areas. Following on from the agreements reached at the previous meetings in Singapore and Buenos Aires, issues related to the conclusion of a peace treaty between the two countries were reviewed. The two leaders also exchanged views on major international and regional issues.

Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Shinzo Abe made statements for the press.

* * *

Beginning of conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, dear Shinzo, friends. I am delighted to welcome you to the Kremlin.

I am very pleased that our meetings have become regular, which allows us to discuss various issues related to the development of bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

I want to thank you for accepting our invitation and coming to visit us in Moscow on the way to an international event in Switzerland. Tentatively, our colleagues worked on many areas, including the economy and foreign policy, and issues pertaining to the peace treaty.

I am very glad to see you. Welcome!

Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe (retranslated): Mr President, colleagues. I am happy to meet with you here at the beginning of this year as we agreed in Singapore and Buenos Aires.

Let me note that 2018 became a turning point in Russia-Japan relations. Now in 2019, Japan is planning many important events, such as the G20 Presidency.

For our part, we are ready to do all we can to make 2019 a year of the rapid [development of relations] between Japan and Russia.

I am pleased to say that our bilateral cooperation is producing tangible results in eight areas, including Japan-Russia cross years.

Today, I am planning to discuss the issues related to the conclusion of the peace treaty, with due account of the results of the foreign ministers’ meeting and the meeting of the negotiators last week. In addition, I hope for a straight exchange of views on bilateral relations and international issues with a view to developing our ties on a large scale.

Press statements following talks with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe


Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Shinzo Abe made statements for the press.
January 22, 2019
18:30
The Kremlin, Moscow
Following the talks, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe made statements for the press.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen,

Talks with the Prime Minister of Japan were held in a business-like and constructive atmosphere, and have just ended.

I want to mention that Mr Shinzo Abe and I maintain close working contact. This is our fourth meeting in six months. Most recently, in November and December 2018, we met in Singapore on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit and in Buenos Aires at the G20 summit. This dialogue at the highest level is reinforced by strong interaction in the Russian-Japanese Intergovernmental Commission, the two countries’ security councils, their foreign and defence ministries, including in the 2+2 format, and in the national parliaments. I believe that this intensity of political ties serves as confirmation of the interest of the two countries to develop cooperation based on the principles of good neighbourliness, respect and consideration for each other’s interests.

It was in such a positive manner that the Prime Minister and I discussed the bilateral agenda. As is customary, priority was given to the prospects for expanding trade and investment ties. We noted the gradual growth of mutual trade. In January-November 2018, volume increased 18 percent to almost $20 billion. Japanese investment in the Russian economy is about $2.2 billion.

The joint work on implementation of the initiatives that Mr Abe and I approved earlier continues. I am referring to the Japanese Plan of Cooperation in eight areas, which, as a matter of fact, was proposed by the Prime Minister, and the Russian list of priority investment projects. Japanese entrepreneurs are investing in many sectors of the Russian economy and participate in both the St Petersburg Forum and the Eastern Economic Forum.

There is much potential for enhancing energy cooperation. Gazprom, Mitsui and Mitsubishi are building a third technological line at the LNG plant as part of the Sakhalin-2 project. The possible involvement of our Japanese partners in the Arctic LNG-2, the Baltic LNG projects and the construction of an LNG terminal in the Kamchatka Territory is being studied. Russian experts are developing neutron detectors to identify damaged fuel to mitigate the consequences of the accident at the Fukushima-1 NPP.

Cooperation in transport and infrastructure is expanding. Last December Japanese companies purchased a 10 percent stake in the company that is managing the upgrade of Khabarovsk Airport. Joint trial runs of container shipments via the Trans-Siberian Railway were carried out. If they become regular, supplies of Japanese goods to third countries via Russian territory will increase manifold. Transport development along the Northern Sea Route, for LNG exports to Japan and states in the Asia-Pacific region, looks promising.

Thus, in general, Russian-Japanese economic cooperation is making steady progress. There are obvious achievements on this track. However, both Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and I share the view that a qualitative change has not yet been made and that the potential for bilateral cooperation has not been realised in full. Therefore, we discussed the development of more ambitious plans to expand economic ties in key areas: from trade to investment and technological cooperation. In particular, it will be possible, already in the coming years, to set a goal to increase Russian-Japanese trade by at least 50 percent to $30 billion.

We noted an increase in cultural contacts. The Russian-Japanese Cross Years of Culture, which Mr Abe and I launched in May 2018, are enjoying success. The programme includes over 400 different events held in our respective countries. Russia and Japan are co-hosts of the International Theatre Olympiad which will be held in St Petersburg and Toyama in the second half of the year and which will bring together performers from 30 countries.

Of course, we discussed the prospects for concluding a peace treaty. The Prime Minister and I spent a lot of time discussing this issue. We have been in dialogue with Mr Abe on this matter for several years now. In Singapore, we agreed with the Prime Minister to base the negotiation process on the 1956 Joint Declaration of the Soviet Union and Japan. This primarily provides for the conclusion of a peace treaty. We reiterated our interest in having this document signed. We appointed our respective foreign ministers as coordinators and they held the first round of talks in Moscow on January 14 and reported the results to us today.

I emphasise that there is long and painstaking work ahead to create proper conditions for reaching mutually acceptable solutions. Our goal is to ensure the long-term and comprehensive development of Russian-Japanese relations at a high-quality level. Of course, the decision that the negotiators will come up with should be acceptable to the peoples of Russia and Japan and supported by both. We agreed to continue our efforts to organise joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands in five previously approved areas, specifically, aquaculture, greenhouse farming, wind power generation, tourism and waste treatment, that is, addressing environmental issues.

In closing, I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Japan and all our Japanese friends and colleagues for the productive and informative exchange of opinions today. The discussion was candid and meaningful. I believe that this visit will be beneficial for our bilateral relations and will bring us closer to resolving the key issues of cooperation.

Thank you.

Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe (retranslated): I was in Moscow eight months ago in May. With this winter cold and this coat of white snow, Moscow looks even more impressive.

Today, shortly after the new year began, President Putin and I were able to frankly discuss prospects for cooperation between Japan and Russia in various areas. This is a great start for Japanese-Russian relations in 2019.

Eight months ago, Vladimir and I, here in Moscow at the Bolshoi Theatre, announced the start of the first ever Japan-Russia cultural cross year. Now, six months later, we can say that the first half of the cross year was a success with over 500 events held in our countries. I hope that during the next six months (the President and I are expected to participate in the cross year closing ceremony in June) our cultural ties at various levels will become even stronger.

The number of Russians who visited Japan last year reached an all-time high. In general, the number of reciprocal visits is growing rapidly. Last year, it was about 100,000 tourists in each country. Last year, a large number of Japanese football fans went to Russia for the World Cup. They enjoyed a warm reception in all regions of your country. In Japan, a large number of football fans were fighting off sleep – there is the time difference between our countries – as they struggled to watch live televised broadcast of the matches and could feel the atmosphere of various Russian cities. We have set ourselves a goal to add even more dynamics to this trend and, by 2023, double the number of visits, that is, 200,000 tourists in each direction for a total of 400,000.

We will strive to make our economic ties closer and to develop ties in various areas of tourism and, of course, region-to-region relations as well as ties between our universities so that Japan and Russia can reach this goal.

Relations between the deputies and the parliaments of our countries continue to develop. Last July, President of the House of Councillors of the National Diet visited Russia and delivered a speech in the Russian Senate. This was the first such event in the history of the relations between our countries.

In December last year, the Japan-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association signed a memorandum of understanding on further cooperation. Inter-deputy and inter-parliamentary relations are an important pillar in the development of Japanese-Russian relations, and we will support it this year.

More than two and a half years have passed since I proposed an eight-point cooperation plan. Over 170 projects came to life. Last month saw the beginning of the Japanese companies’ participation in the management of the Khabarovsk airport; a samurai bond was issued by Gazprom – such a decision was made. I welcome this constructive attitude from the companies of our countries to conduct business hand in hand.

Two years have passed since President Putin and I, in my hometown of Nagato, declared our sincere determination to conclude a peace treaty with our hands. We took the course to solve this problem based on a new approach. Our cooperation with President Putin is unprecedented: joint economic activities on three islands and two field studies were held, a business mission was sent, the members of which were mainly from private civil agencies, and a roadmap on proposed projects was developed. We see a concrete path ahead.

At today’s meeting, President Putin and I gave instructions to relevant people and agencies to work together clearly and promptly for the speedy implementation of joint economic activities.

Humane measures for the former inhabitants of the islands to visit the graves of their ancestors play a big role in creating confidence between the peoples of both countries on the way to concluding a peace treaty. In light of the agreements reached in Nagato, this was the first visit to these graves by plane. Today at the meeting, the President and I confirmed the significance of such activities and agreed that visiting the graves of ancestors by plane this year will be implemented in the summer.

President Putin and I spent a lot of time discussing the peace treaty today without hiding anything from each other.

President Putin and I welcome the fact that concrete talks began between our respective foreign ministers last week based on the agreement the President and I reached in Singapore, which is designed to expedite the talks on a peace treaty based on the 1956 Joint Declaration. We welcome the fact that the discussion during these talks was honest and serious. We instructed our foreign ministers to hold the next round of talks on the sidelines of the security conference in Munich in February, and our special heads of state representatives to take the talks to the next level.

This issue has remained without a resolution for over 70 years since the end of WWII. This is not an easy task to deal with, but we must resolve it. Under the firm leadership of President Putin and me, we must join our efforts and work energetically to ensure even greater trust in relations between the citizens of Japan and the citizens of Russia, the relations of friends, and the search for a mutually acceptable solution. Today, President Putin and I reiterated our determination to do this work.

To deepen trust in the sphere of security, this year we will expand ties between our respective defence ministries and border services. Japanese-Russian cooperation has already yielded a number of successful results in countering non-conventional threats, such as drug trafficking. We will be enhancing these efforts and expanding the scope of cooperation.

With regard to North Korea, our countries will continue to cooperate, because peace and stability in Northeast Asia is a major and common goal.

This year, we will be looking forward to a number of important events, such as the transfer of the throne from the emperor to the crown prince and a meeting of the G20 leaders in Osaka. In June, we invite Vladimir Putin to Japan for the G20 Summit. I look forward to our next meeting, the meeting of the leaders of Japan and Russia, as well as the closing ceremony for the cross years, which we will hold together.

In September-November, the Rugby World Cup will be held in Japan for the first time. The opening match will be held between the national teams of Japan and Russia. I am sure that both teams will show the best of what they have, and whatever team wins at the final whistle, we will congratulate and celebrate each other for a beautiful game.

May 2019 be a productive, eventful and good year for the citizens of Japan and Russia.

Thank you very much.

Russian-Serbian talks

Russian-Serbian talks


Talks between Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic have been held at the Palace of Serbia government complex.
January 17, 2019
18:40
Belgrade






Russian-Serbian talks in expanded format.

The consultations were preceded by an official welcoming ceremony. The two presidents introduced members of their delegations. Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic also toured an exhibition, Russian-Serbian Relations in the Documents from the Archive of Serbia for 1804–1918, which shows various materials dating back to those years, including photographs, letters, decrees on the appointment of ambassadors, trade agreements and other exhibits.

Earlier that day, the President of Russia and the President of Serbia laid wreaths at the Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade and the Monument to the Soviet Soldiers.

The current state and future prospects of Russia-Serbia relations in different areas, including trade and the economy, humanitarian and military-technical areas were discussed at the meeting in a restricted format. Then the talks continued in expanded format.

After the consultations, Vladimir Putin presented Alexandar Vucic with a state decoration of the Russian Federation – the Order of Alexander Nevsky – for his major personal contribution to the advancement of multilateral cooperation with Russia.

An exchange of documents signed during the Russian President’s official visit to Serbia took place in the presence of the two countries’ leaders.

The Russian Federation and the Republic of Serbia have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy based on tested and innovative technology and a joint statement on Russian-Serbian strategic partnership for the construction of the Nuclear Research, Technology and Innovation Centre.

Other documents have to do with cooperation in the field of social protection; the development of digital technology; the exploration and peaceful use of outer space; joint projects to build and service railway infrastructure in Serbia; cooperation in innovation and technological development; the expansion of the Banatski Dvor underground gas storage facility; and cooperation between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Development Agency of Serbia.

The presidents of Russia and Serbia held a joint news conference.

Joint news conference with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic


Following Russian-Serbian talks, Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic gave a joint news conference.
January 17, 2019
19:30
Belgrade






Joint news conference with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic: <…> We have also signed many agreements in different areas of public life.

THE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT:10th Gaidar Forum

10th Gaidar Forum
15 January 2019 13:30 RANEPA, Moscow

The main theme of the 2019 Gaidar Forum is Russia and the World: National Development Goals and Global Trends.


At the plenary session of the Gaidar Forum

15 January 2019


At the plenary session of the Gaidar Forum

15 January 2019


Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

15 January 2019


Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

15 January 2019


Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

15 January 2019


Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

15 January 2019


Meeting with Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Paula Risikko

15 January 2019
Следующая новость


At the plenary session of the Gaidar Forum

The Gaidar Forum is an ongoing discussion platform for pressing current issues. The forum has been held annually since 2010 in memory of Yegor Gaidar, a researcher, economist and ideologist of the early 1990s reforms in Russia. Forum discussions centre on Russia’s place and strategic role in the world.

Among forum moderators are high-ranking politicians and prominent experts, members of the Russian Government, representatives of regional authorities, and leading economists from Russia and around the world.

Retrospective


The 9th Gaidar Forum, 16 January 2018


The 8th Gaidar Forum, 12 January 2017


The 7th Gaidar Forum, 13 January 2016


The 6th Gaidar Forum, 14 January 2015


The 5th Gaidar Forum, 15 January 2014


The 4th Gaidar Forum, 16 January 2013

The forum’s objective is to involve leading global researchers and experts in discussions of economic and political issues; to maintain a continuous expert dialogue on key political and economic problems; to address major trends and key events of national and global economy and politics; to produce strategic proposals and recommendations on the development of the Russian economy.

The forum was organised by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy and the Yegor Gaidar Foundation.

Excerpts from Dmitry Medvedev’s remarks:





Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

The past decade has brought many challenges for both industrialised and emerging economies, for countries with different social structures and political systems, as well as for the global economy as a whole.

These challenges are unprecedented in terms of scale. They include a high level of uncertainty in nearly all sectors of society, the speed and scope of digital transformation, which offer huge opportunities and entail huge risks, as well as the need for regularly upgrading the infrastructure.

We see sweeping changes in conventional markets and the appearance of new markets. This concerns primarily the structure of the energy market and the increasing share of energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly energy sources.

Competition and protectionism are on the rise.

Increasing social inequality is feeding widespread discontent even in prosperous countries and will likely continue to grow, among other things, because of new problems in the employment market.

We see unfair distribution of benefits from the growing global economy and international trade, as well as disparity between the growing weight of the emerging economies and their involvement in determining the rules of international trade.

These challenges are not only interconnected, but they also give rise to the appearance of new challenges. For example, everything connected with smart things, digital doubles, self-driving vehicles and the use of 3D technology in construction and industry calls for novel approaches to management and the training of personnel. Free access to information calls for upgrading the protection of public safety and private life.

The regulatory authorities are encountering new problems. What should they do with the payment systems and cryptocurrencies? The past year demonstrated their extreme volatility, although it is not a reason for burying them.

Many global trends are only taking shape.





Dmitry Medvedev speaks at the Gaidar Forum plenary session

Some of them are obvious, while others are evading control and hence are difficult to assess and it is hard to even understand what they might lead to. The traditionally comfortable models we are using to forecast our life 10, 20 or 30 years ahead are rapidly becoming impractical. The world is changing too fast, making our conclusions obsolete.

Russia’s strategy for the medium term is outlined in the 7 May 2018 Presidential Executive Order, while the tactical steps are in the Key Guidelines for the Government to 2024, and in the national and federal projects that have already been launched.

Our plans include, first, ambitious but practical targets. Second, they stipulate the provision of appropriate resources and personnel. And third, they set out an approach that allows us not only to monitor the implementation of our plans but also to see what adjustments we need to make. We have created a clear structure of steps we must take towards our national development goals by using not only our traditional advantages but also by transforming global challenges into new sources of growth.

The US Federal Reserve Chairman has compared economic policy to walking through a room full of furniture when the lights go out. On the one hand, this level of uncertainty in the global and national economies is objective. It depends primarily on the speed of technological development. In fact, it is the charge for technological progress.

On the other hand, and this is the worst part, this level of uncertainty is being created deliberately. I am referring to the policy of aggressive economic and political pressure, which some countries have recently adopted. It includes illegal sanctions, the use of force at trade talks, the arrest of foreign top managers as well as an actual ban on the purchase of some companies’ products. These restrictions have been used against many countries and, consequently, against thousands of companies and banks.

This is an attempt to change the architecture of international trade to suit one’s own purposes and to use one’s position as the global emission centre so as to control the international financial system, while at the same time increasing one’s sovereign debt to the utmost. Ultimately, it is an attempt to shift a major part of one’s internal political and economic risks onto other global economic players.

Back in the second half of the 20th century, US Secretary of the Treasury John Connally said that the dollar “is our currency but your problem.” Regrettably, this position has not changed over the past 50 years. The US dollar is still dominating the market.

The country whose currency is the key reserve currency is undermining public trust in it. Paradoxically, this country also provides reasons for the de-dollarisation idea. This policy can hardly be described as acceptable.

Russia and the EU have discussed ways of protecting their economic ties with Iran from unilateral sanctions. This approach is based on the common views on the [US] withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the economic consequences of this decision. The European Commission has prepared a package of measures to expand the use of the euro in strategic industries. The reason for them has been clearly formulated as the growing political and currency risks of the dollar zone.

We are also expanding the use of the rouble and other national currencies in foreign trade. We have slashed our investment in US treasury bonds. The latest issue of Russian Eurobonds was denominated in euros. This is the result of the aggressive and often incoherent US economic policy.

These economic actions by the world’s largest economic actor are only increasing the pressure. But there are also other structural problems facing Russia and other countries.

First of all, we need to settle our infrastructure problems. For such a large and complicated country as Russia, modernising the transport, energy, information and social infrastructure is of vital importance for ensuring a balanced spatial development, improving living standards and enhancing the efficiency of our involvement in global transportation and logistics projects.

We have prepared a plan for modernising and expanding the mainstream infrastructure. We intend to invest some $100 billion in its implementation, including from extra-budgetary sources, by 2024.

It is vitally important to create a stimulating business environment. This primarily concerns control and supervision. The number of the so-called mandatory requirements concerning inspections of businesses remains unreasonably large. Many of these requirements were formulated back in the Soviet era and have become obsolete morally as well as technologically.

We must reduce the burden on our business people and revise the system of requirements, primarily in such over-regulated sectors as transportation, the environment, industrial safety, veterinary medicine, as well as sanitary and epidemiological supervision. This goal can be attained through the use of the so-called guillotine of regulations.

The old provisions on mandatory requirements that are not specifically approved or amended shall be automatically considered null and void. This mechanism should be used to review all these provisions for compliance with modern realities by 1 February 2020. The goal is to create a transparent system of supervision that will ensure consumer safety and accelerate economic growth.

The second challenge includes the industrial revolution and the development of digital technology. The digital agenda has become truly international. The development of uniform digital standards, rules, e-commerce, personal data protection and cyber threats require joint discussions as well as coordinated actions.

Like many other countries, Russia has made digitalisation a national development priority. We have good starting positions overall, if we take a look at the level of development of our country and other countries. However, there is a fairly large digital development gap by industry and by region.

Another problem is the lack of corresponding competences in the state apparatus, right down to the municipalities, sector-specific departments and the law enforcement system. We need to retrain at least a million specialists, and thus develop the corresponding programmes as quickly as possible.

The third thing is a radical transformation of the labour market and related changes in the social sphere. Many experts are even talking about a traditional employment crisis and a vast increase in unemployment among workers with low and medium skills. On the other hand, the platform-based technologies provide endless possibilities for harnessing labour and providing jobs in a variety of formats, including remote, part-time and self-employment.

In this regard, several pressing issues are common to most countries. How can one ensure that all citizens are involved in the new technological wave? How will the rights of those who, due to the technological advances will be left out of the social protection system? What will happen to the social protection system itself as these trends and social phenomena gain momentum? How should the taxation system be transformed given these circumstances? As we can see from the very complex social processes and mass protests in European countries, particularly in France, we should start looking for such answers as soon as possible.

A special tax regime for the self-employed has entered into force in Russia this year. Its main components include its voluntary nature, fairly low rates, and extremely straightforward, just elementary, registration and reporting system. It is critically important that the law guarantees the stability of these terms for 10 years. So far, this regime exists in several regions. However, if it becomes popular, it can be applied throughout the country.

Clearly, these common problems must be addressed by joint efforts, consistently and pragmatically. We must seek reasonable compromises and gradually restore lost credibility. Only mutual trust will turn our common problems into unprecedented common opportunities.

***





Meeting with Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Paula Risikko