Point of View

"Despite the reduction in trade, Austrian investment in the Russian economy has remained steady. By the beginning of this year, it amounted to almost four billion dollars. We welcome the efforts of Austrian businessmen to continue to expand their presence in the Russian market."

"The decision of General Motors not to go ahead with the deal and not to sell Opel to the Magna-Sberbank consortium does not damage our interests. That is clear. That said, we were ready to support the deal. We supported Sberbank's decision to take part in the Sberbank-Magna consortium created in order to buy Opel. We gave them political support as well. In fact, several days ago, during a conversation with the German Chancellor, I reaffirmed the Russian Government's decision to provide 250 million euros in state guarantees to ease the load on the German Government and the German financial institutions. On the understanding, of course - and this was in our interests - that the plan to rescue Opel would be an investment in the Russian automobile industry, and that the plan would involve the transfer of technology. The members of the consortium worked hard with government agencies, GM, and with trade unions. The plan had been fully agreed upon. The last-minute decision to pull out of the deal does not harm our interests, but it does say something about the somewhat peculiar culture of our American partners when dealing with their partners. That is obvious."

"As for our own plans, they will not be changed. We will work with everyone, including American manufacturers. GM has a presence in the Russian Federation. We will support its activities in Russia, just as we will maintain contacts with the European manufacturers, such as our German and French partners, as well as with all those who have come to our market. For example, the Japanese producers. We have our own ambitious plans with which we will go ahead regardless, if not within this arrangement, then under some other arrangement. These plans are still alive and well, and they will continue and be completed. There is no doubt about it."

"Relations between our countries, including our political ties, regulatory agreements and economic cooperation, have been developing very well recently. Bilateral trade grew considerably last year, by over 40%. Unfortunately, it has fallen by more than 40% in the first months of the year, but there is a clear tendency for revival. The overall decline is currently less than 20%."

"We are grateful to the Danish Government for giving permission for the construction of the Nord Stream gas transmission system through Danish territorial waters and part of the Danish exclusive economic zone in the Baltic Sea. We greatly appreciate this prompt and sound decision on the part of our colleagues. It is an example of a measured, politically unbiased approach towards energy issues and energy cooperation in Europe."

"Relations between Cyprus and the Russian Federation are based on long-standing traditions and continue to develop successfully. The legal base for cooperation between our countries is being strengthened. Quite recently, on October 8, the Government of the Russian Federation approved a protocol for an intergovernmental agreement that would protect capital investment. I think that the ratification of this agreement by both countries will make our economic cooperation even more transparent.."

"The only thing we consider unacceptable is the use of diplomatic services outside the Vienna Convention. I think that is indisputable. We very much hope to see a uniform interpretation of these issues on the part of our partners."

"The partnership between Russia and Finland are a model for genuine, good neighbourly relations. This is also true of our political, business and cultural ties, especially since in 2008 Russia has again emerged as Finland's biggest foreign trading partner. The trust we have built up enables us to discuss the most complicated issues frankly and reach the best solutions for both our countries' benefit."

"It is important that in spite of the global economic crisis, the implementation of key Russian-Finnish projects is proceeding at a good pace. Although there has been some decline in the volume of trade, I am confident that in the future we will be able to turn this situation around. In this connection I would like to remind you that last year Russia emerged as the biggest trading partner of the Finnish Republic. We are committed to building up our business ties, improving their quality and stability, and developing both the traditional and new areas of economic partnership."

"Finland's authority as a major player in the world timber market is unassailable. And very importantly, it applies not only to the quantity, but also to the quality of its products. I am referring to Finland's modern technologies, the advanced processing of raw materials, and advanced environmental programmes. All these areas are extremely important for us. The experience of our Finnish partners and their advanced know-how will certainly be used in Russia. I think it is in our mutual interests to shift the focus towards joint development of the markets in third-party countries, and to concentrate our resources on creating and promoting high-tech nanotechnology and biotechnology products in the timber industry. Ultimately, the future belongs to these technologies."

"During the talks we held behind closed doors, the Finnish Prime Minister appealed to us to review the issue of duty-free birch deliveries for the Finnish timber processing industry. I believe we could expand the parameters and hence the volume of such deliveries to our partners abroad. The issue concerns the so-called birch supply balance, which is birch timber with a diameter of up to 15 cm. "

"On the whole - and I would like to draw your attention to this - there is more and more support in Europe for the diversification of energy routes. Just recently, as you know, the Danish Government has granted permission to lay the pipeline through its economic zone, for which we would like to thank that country's leadership."

"Germany is Russia’s leading trade and economic partner. Last year, Russia-Germany trade exceeded $60 billion. This year it will be considerably smaller because of the crisis. However, I was pleased and even surprised to learn that in January through April German investment in the Russian economy grew 36%. It is proof that our relations have been growing despite problems in the global economy and our countries' economies. Moreover, import and export between Russia and Germany is balanced, and our relations are sufficiently diversified."

"As for export duties on unprocessed lumber, we take our producers' and their foreign partners' problems into account. So we have postponed the planned increase in export duties to a prohibitive 50 euros per 1 cubic metre. We will announce our final decision quite soon. As for next year, we will proceed from the current situation."

"We have several issues to discuss with you. Brunei is one of the largest producers of liquefied natural gas, and Russia is also beginning to develop this commodity. We are also aware of your efforts to diversify the country's economy by developing high-tech industry and farming."

"As for bilateral talks with our Chinese partners and our work within the SCO, we primarily focus on economic interaction. Unless you consider our agreements with China to notify each other of ballistic missile launches, which I believe a signal event. It is an extremely important achievement that will strengthen trust between countries in a highly sensitive sphere of strategic weapons. It is an additional element of full-scale strategic relations, comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and China. And a crucial element at that."

"I'd like to remind you about something we consider an important result in our discussions, and that is the agreement reached with our Chinese partners regarding Rostom's involvement in the second stage of the construction at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant. I think this is one of the most important agreements reached during this visit."

"We have started implementing the agreements reached earlier on crude oil extraction. We will extract it on our territory and transport it. Remember, how few people believed that we could build the pipeline system under the difficulties faced in Siberia: without any transport, communications or energy infrastructure. In a very short period of time, we have built over 2,000 kilometres of pipeline. And it's more than just a big pipe, you don't just dig a trench and put it in the ground, it's a highly complex, state of the art system, and then in addition there's the accompanying infrastructure. We did it. And it was, of course, an absolute success."

"I am very glad that you and I are meeting individually within the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation forum. The relationship between the Russian Federation and Pakistan has been developing very well as of late. This concerns both our political contacts and our economic interaction. Nevertheless, as far as economic interaction is concerned, trade between our two countries is so far very insignificant. But we are putting into place mechanisms for cooperation. One of these is the intergovernmental commission, which we need to launch as soon as possible."

"Even during a crisis, Russia and China have demonstrated their capacity for closer economic partnership and ambitious projects. This is grounds for optimism. Most of all I mean our energy partnership. We have come to a consensus on the construction of an oil pipeline from Skovorodino to the Chinese border, and have signed a major credit agreement. The pipeline, which has required ambitious investments, will be ready quite soon."

"I am also confident that the Large-Scale Plan for Russian-Chinese Investment Cooperation will play a positive role. This is a very important step in our relationship, as is the Plan for Regional Development, which will involve the Far Eastern regions of Russia, the Siberian region of the Russian Federation, and northeast China. These plans will facilitate further economic growth both in Russia and China, and will help to create new jobs and factories."

"Contracts worth more than $3 billion have already been signed since the beginning of the forum today. This is especially important now that the global economy is going through hard times, fumbling for a way towards post-crisis development. Without a doubt, building confidence in the business community, new joint investment ventures, trade, and industrial cooperation are of great importance for economic revival."

"We know that China has a programme for developing its north-eastern provinces. In Russia we have a similar programme for the development of the trans-Baikal region, eastern Siberia and the Far East. It is clear that coordination of our efforts to develop these regions in China and Russia can produce a synergic effect, to use a fashionable term."

"We are in agreement that all the conditions are in place for further development of our political dialogue, as well as of our trade, economic and cultural ties. Everything is in place to continue our constructive efforts to resolve pressing issues for the international community, including those connected with overcoming the global financial and economic crisis. We can now confidently say that, on the whole, our trade and economic ties have weathered the crisis, and, despite the currently difficult situation in global markets, these ties have good potential for qualitative growth, including by means of major projects."

"I believe that cultural cooperation between our countries is very important. I think it is an absolute must for promoting our interaction in the economy and politics, and our military technical cooperation. The sphere of cultural relations is the base on which the main structure - mutual trust - can be built. It is the crucial prerequisite for promoting relations in all the above spheres."

"Cooperation between Russia and China is a vital element of global stability. We regard it as a vital element, and are developing our cooperation with China proceeding from this assumption, being aware of our mutual responsibility for international peace, security and sustainable development."

"The consolidated stand of China and Russia on different problems has restrained some of our less cautious colleagues. It has also facilitated the solution of some problems, in particular, in the sphere of global food security and economic development. Some problems, for example environmental ones, cannot be effectively resolved without a consolidated stand of such countries as Russia and China."

"We attach great importance to your agreement with Kamaz. Our relationship with Fiat was established several decades ago. Your Dutch branch is a world leader in manufacturing farm machinery, and its products have proven their worth in Russia. I think this agreement to establish two joint ventures represents great progress."

"Our economic (Russia and India) ties have been developing dynamically. Each year, the bilateral trade turnover expands by one third. Although the overall trade turnover does not yet match our potentials, we have succeeded in expanding it throughout January-June 2009 in conditions of the global financial and economic crisis. This is a rare occurrence in present-day conditions."

"I would like to once again underscore the special nature of bilateral relations which have evolved in this format for many decades. And we are very happy to note their current level. This particularly concerns the coordination of our positions, which coincide on numerous foreign policy issues."

"As for the Nord Stream, I have reiterated on a number of occasions that certain parties would like to represent this project as part of an anti-Polish agenda. There is no anti-Polish implication here. I just mentioned the Russian pipeline on Polish territory. It's only natural that Russia and its European gas consumers would want to diversify gas transport systems. What's so extraordinary about that? It is common practice throughout the world."

"We realise that the Ukrainian economy currently consumes as much energy as it needs. We will proceed from that. As for the details, we'll leave it up to businesses to settle between themselves. We hope they will do so."

"I have mentioned that during the past two years Russian-Polish relations have improved, becoming friendlier and more business-like. You were right when you said that in the past our relations were not as cordial.<...> I am grateful to the incumbent Polish Government, specifically Prime Minister Tusk, for being a counterpart and a partner that I am happy to cooperate with. We can discuss the controversial issues of the past in a calm and benevolent atmosphere, free from political prejudices, as well as develop pragmatic relations in politics and in the economy today, all based on respect for each other's interests. I hope we'll be able to maintain this positive trend, which I mentioned in my brief remarks."

"Poland is doing well economically despite the global crisis. But this in no way means that we should not counter current challenges together. Their number exceeds by far the threats of the global financial and economic crisis. It is clear that we should join our efforts to overcome the current problems, and to avoid difficulties in the future."

"I would like to express my wholehearted gratitude to you for the efforts your Government has taken in the past years to promote bilateral trade and economic relations. Our trade and economic relations rose very high in 2008: Russia became Poland's second largest trade and economic partner after Germany."

"This year marks the 200th anniversary of Finland's inclusion in the Russian Empire as the Grand Duchy, and it is a good occasion to admit that relations between our countries are at a very positive level. Even though there are problems stemming from the global economic downturn, life still goes on and so do our relations."

"I fully agree with you that Russia and Bulgaria have special relations. All the projects we have developed in the past are aimed, in part, at strengthening Bulgaria's status as a major energy centre in Europe, and a large transit partner. In fact, these projects are aimed at changing the geopolitical - in this context - status of the country and providing the possibility for additional revenue from commodities transit."

"Russian-Dutch trade and economic relations are developing very successfully. Bilateral trade reached a record of $62 billion last year, and reinvestment reached $45 billion. Direct Dutch investment into the Russian economy stood at over $30 billion. Our joint plan of action will expire soon, and it is high time to lay the foundations for our cooperation over the next several years."

"As you know, cooperation between some Russian and Ukrainian companies is so deep that these companies would go out of business without each other. They would have to close down. This applies, for example, to aircraft building, which has excellent cooperation prospects. Russia has adjusted its policy with regard to An-70. We'll see how we could implement this project. There is much to discuss here."

"Russia has maintained good and long-standing relations with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Bank has invested over $11 billion in Russian projects, involving economic sectors highly important for the country. These include auto industry projects such as the launch of Volkswagen and Toyota assembly plants in Kaluga and St. Petersburg respectively, as well as power grid modernisation in certain Russian regions and a sewage treatment facilities project in St. Petersburg."

“As you have seen and heard today, a gas pipeline to Tskhinval has been launched today. As I have already said, it was laid in a record short time along a complicated alpine terrain, and rids the republic of its dependence on gas supplies via Georgia. This was also Russian gas but it was supplied via Georgia. Now South Ossetia itself can become a transit country for Georgia.”

“There was no other way of ensuring this stability but to recognize the independence of both republics, because we realized that the current Georgian political leaders will not leave them in peace. It is necessary to establish the conditions for ensuring reliable security for the long term.”

“I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Russia is also supporting Georgia. I'm sure you know that Georgia is receiving no small amount of assistance through the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We are an active member of the IMF, and regularly make serious contributions to this international organisation, which are then distributed among the distressed countries, Georgia included. This shows once again that we are not interested in humiliating Georgia, and we are not interested in having losers and winners here.”

"Much has been done since then for developing full-scale relations between Russia and South Ossetia and for consolidating their legal foundation. In September 2008, we signed a Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, and last April, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Protection of South Ossetia's State Frontier. The Russian border guards have assumed responsibility for securing peace and tranquility in the region."

“Russia has appropriated about three billion roubles - 2.8 billion roubles, to be exact - for supporting the republic's budget this year, and another 8.5 billion roubles for restoring the infrastructure facilities. Out of the 8.5 billion roubles, 3.5 billion roubles have been spent. Let's see what can be done in the remaining months of this year. We have agreed with the republic's President that if some funds are not spent, we will not rush to meet the deadline for spending them. The main task is to guarantee the quality of construction.”

“We will continue to pursue our social policy. Let's put it blankly, we will continue to pay retirement pensions, as we have done starting from 2003, based on my decision. More than 1 billion roubles have been allocated for these purposes this year. And next year payments will remain the same. No changes are expected.”

"We all know quite well that since 2003 Russia has been providing assistance to Russian citizens who live in Abkhazia, paying pensions and several other allowances. I understand perfectly well that this assistance is only a response to the heritage of the past. Our main goal is creating a self-sustained economic system in Abkhazia."

“Why could Abkhazia be interesting for Russia in terms of economy? The first point, which is obvious, is tourism. I have just visited Turkey and met with Prime Minister Erdogan, a good friend of mine, and with President Gul as well. We discussed different fields of co-operation. Two-and-a-half million Russian tourists visit Turkey every year. Turkey is a big country and there are a lot of modern hotels there. And one million Russian tourists visit Abkhazia. The figure is comparable with that of Turkey. One million! That's what we have under current circumstances, when far from everything has been restored, neither in Gagra, nor in other resorts. Imagine what will happen if we restore everything.”

“As for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, well, speaking of the Abkhazian budget, this year we allocated funds to the tune of 2.5 billion roubles to support the Abkhazian budget. And these are only the funds allocated to support the budget; there are funds allocated for other purposes as well. Next year the figure will be approximately the same, just a little bit smaller. But, next year we are going to allocate considerable funds for security purposes, specifically, for our military base in Abkhazia - about 15 billion roubles. This money will be used to reinforce the border and to create an up-to-date border - not the Maginot Line, but a border - to enable normal communication with both Georgia and Russia, to create modern infrastructure, to equip the border and to equip border troops, to upgrade the military base. All in all, it will take 15-16 billion roubles.”

“There are infrastructure projects regarding transport, border crossings with Russia, as there are weak points there. To be frank, we have not found any specific financing sources so far, but still motorway and bridge construction, railroad restoration between Sochi and Sukhumi, marine transportation between Sochi and Sukhumi - all this will require another 4 billion roubles. This is a rough estimate. I would like to repeat that we have not yet found sources to finance infrastructure projects, but the expenses have not been calculated yet. The calculations are being done now by the experts. And we will continue to do it.”

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