The plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2017 has kicked off on June 2, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Kern and President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon scheduled to take part in the discussion.
- 16:14
Putin, Modi on Russia-China-India Ties
Modi said that the world is unipolar no more and states are interdependent.He said that India-Russia ties are based on trust.Meanwhile, Putin said that Russia, China and India cooperation via BRICS. - 16:06
Disputes Over NATO Will Help Russia Only if Alliance Ceases to Exist - Putin
Putin was asked whether Russia would benefit from recent disputes over NATO. He joked that Russia would benefit only if the alliance ceases to exist.Putin added that NATO is an instrument of US' foreign policy.He reitereated that Moscow is concerned over NATO pulling its infrastructure toward Russia's borders.The absence of mechanisms of coordination between Russia and NATO is bad and issues such as fight against terrorism should be solved jointly, Putin said.© REUTERS/ Grigory Dukor - 16:03
Trump Wants to Weaken EU's Interests in the Big Game - Austrian Chancellor
The Austrian chancellor said that it has become clear that Trump wants to weaken EU's interests in the "big game."He was asked to comment on German Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent statement saying that Europe can no longer wholly rely on the US and NATO.He criticized Trump over the decision on the US exit from the Paris climate deal. - 15:53
Putin on US Exit From Paris Climate Accord
Putin joked that despite the fact that Russia "doesn't feel" the effect of global warming as it has been snowing in Moscow today and raining in St. Petersburg, the Paris climate accord is a "good deal." He continued the joke by saying that Russia should be thankful to Trump as now he could be blamed even for bad weather in Moscow.He said that Russia has yet to ratify the agreement, adding that Moscow is waiting for the rules on resource alocation to be formed as part of the deal.Putin said that Trump shouldn't have withdrawn the US from the accord as it is of a "framework nature."But he said that he won't judge Trump decision as the US president probably believes that the document is not well-thought-out.Putin warned against making a fuss over the US exit from the Paris deal and urged to establish conditions for joint work. He added that the agreement comes into force in 2021, adding that there's still time."Don't worry, be happy," he concluded. - 15:44
Moldovan President Says World Ceased to Be Unipolar
Moldovan President Igor Dodon said that the world ceased to be unipolar, new centers of power emerge.He said that no state should impose its rules and culture on others.Dodon slammed Moldova's Agreement on the Association with the EU, saying that it is "enslaving" and only Brussels benefits from it.He said that Moldova would build its ties with every interested state which would respect its sovereignty.Dodon emphasized that states should not become pawns in a "geopolitical game." - 15:35
Austrian Chancellor Says Claims of Europe's Death Preliminary
Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Kern cited a US writer, Mark Twain, as saying that rumors of Europe's death are preliminary, adding that EU would overcome challenges.He said that Europe's economy has shown growth lately, showing a positive trend.The Austrian leader emphasized that defending environment is not just about climate change, it's also about economy, saying that US President Donald Trump is wrong to believe that the US exit from the Paris climate deal will benefit American workers. - 15:15
Indian PM Modi Says India Developing Infrastructure as Part of 'New India' Plan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is developing infrastructure.He said that the country is moving toward becoming a "New India."He added that India as a sovereign state is quite young and works on the development of its economy.© Sputnik/ Vladimir Astapkovich - 14:57
Putin on Social Inequality in Russia
Many countries face the issue, Putin said, commenting on a question on social inequality in Russia when some 1 percent of the population possesses more money than most other part of the people.He said that Russia is working to solve the issue as it is very sensitive for the country.Authorities must help rich people invest money in the development in the country's economy, not in consumption of goods, he said.Russia's program of development must pressupose modern economy generating income, he added.© Sputnik/ Vladimir Astapkovich - 14:42
Investment Growth Into Russia Exceeds GDP Growth - Putin
Russia is aimed to develop digital economy, Putin said.He added that Russian inflation would be lower than projected - below 4 percent.Russian economy starts to recover, the Russian president said. He added that foreign investors and experts have noted high quality of Russia's macroeconomic policy.The investment growth into Russia exceeds GDP growth, this trend should be maintained, he said. - 14:35
'Geopolitical Games' Should be Put Aside to Solve Global Challenges - Putin
Putin said that Russia is ready for cooperation with foreign businesses, for realization of joint projects.He said that global economic issues could be solved only jointly.World faces systemic long-term challenges, thus, geopolitical games and strifes should be put aside in order to solve them, Putin said.
© REUTERS/ Grigory Dukor
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