Denmark to help Pikalyovo
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin started his visit to Scandinavia – first in Denmark, followed by a trip to Sweden on Wednesday.
In Europe, gas and pipelines are one of Russia's main priorities, and, in this context, Denmark has been a reliable partner – it was the first to allow Russian companies to build the Nord Stream pipeline through its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea. Other countries later followed suit. Yesterday Prime Minister Putin reported that the Nord Stream's marine section will be completed on May 15, and, in October, it will begin supplying gas to Europe.
However, Russian-Danish relations are not limited to gas. They are developing in many areas – from metallurgy to cosmetics and beer brewing. The Carlsberg Group controls 88% of Baltika shares, and 40% of the beer in Russia is of Danish origin. Russia supplies Denmark with oil, coal, metals, lumber, fish and chemicals. In turn, Denmark exports machinery, consumer goods, furniture, footwear and medicine to Russia. Russian companies are actively gaining a hold in Denmark, and 40 Danish major companies have launched production in Russia, providing numerous jobs.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen met his Russian counterpart in the ancient Christiansburg Palace with the words: "I'm pleased to see you here as on an official visit, although you've been here already informally." Putin emphasised that bilateral relations are making steady headway – 200 Danish companies are currently working in Russia.
After the talks, 10 agreements were signed: two between the transport and agriculture ministries, respectively; a protocol between the governments on readmission that makes Russia closer to visa-free travel regime with Europe; documents on energy conservation (in which Denmark excels); an agreement on the Kaluga Cement Plant project; and, finally, an agreement on the modernisation of the Pikalyovo production complex with the participation of a Danish company.
However, at a news conference, Danish journalists were interested in Putin's opinions on quite different issues – on his own political future and on Libya, among other things. One Danish journalist quoted The Financial Times as urging him to support Medvedev rather than compete with him for the future presidency.
"Future Russian presidential nominees do not need foreign support. They need the support of the Russian people," Putin replied.
Danish journalists also asked Putin about his statement on "the crusade against Libya," and he explained what he meant:
"Look at a map of the region. Do they have democracy, Danish style? They have monarchies everywhere. Gaddafi invented a new monarchy, like Napoleon. Yes, this is a crooked monarchy. Internal contradictions arose there and developed into an armed conflict. But why interfere? Is it the only crooked regime? Let's give people in Libya an opportunity to resolve their issues themselves. There was talk about a no-fly zone, but palaces are being attacked – are they trying to scare out the rats? Gaddafi escaped and is hiding in a shelter while civilians are being killed. There was talk about his imminent destruction. Was he convicted by a court? Who has the right to kill a human being? It is necessary to act within the law and take care of civilians. I don't like it when a civilised community unleashes its might and destroys the local infrastructure created by numerous generations."
Larisa Kaftan