Putin: Russia’s interests and France is more important than the current political situation
As stated by the President of the Russian Federation, the parties see the possible points of contact on key international issues and can move towards the resolution of existing problems.
VERSAILLES, may 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the fundamental interests of Moscow and Paris are more important than the current political situation.
“I am convinced that the fundamental interests of Russia and France is much more important than the current political situation,” he said at a press conference following talks with President of France Emmanuel Macron.
The Russian leader recalled that in recent years, none of the French company of almost 500 not left the Russian market. According to him, the direct French investments in the Russian economy increased in 2016 by $2.5 billion, while trade between the two countries increased by 14%. For the first quarter of this year turnover has increased by more than 23%.
Putin added that the sides also discussed humanitarian cooperation, the need to increase youth exchanges. The head of state drew attention to the fact that surrounded by Macron many employees know Russian language. “That’s very positive — said the President of the Russian Federation. — I hope that we here will be more supporters, people who understand us, feel and with whom it will be possible to discuss things of mutual interest.”
Russia and France see a possible common ground on key issues of international policy and can move to resolve the existing problems, Putin said.
“Recovering a turnover, we are now engaged in finding ways and points of contact on key issues on the international agenda and, I think, we see them, we are able to move, at least try to start a General movement toward resolution of the key problems of today”, — said Putin.
Responding to a question about whether there is cause to celebrate the positive in Russian-French relations, the Russian leader has noticed that his visit is timed to the 300th anniversary of the visit to France of Peter the great. “This trip was a significant event in our bilateral relations — as there is nothing to celebrate? Here, the 300th anniversary of the visit note; it would be a desire something to celebrate, and if the desire is there, we will always find — that” — with a smile said the President of the Russian Federation.
About alleged Russian intervention in elections in France
“With regard to alleged Russian interference in anyone’s elections, the issue we have not discussed, and Mr. President (of France) no interest in that is not shown. Well, from my side — what’s to discuss? I believe that subject matter does not exist,” the Russian leader said, answering the question was raised of whether the meeting of presidents is the subject of accusations against the Russian attempts to interfere in the presidential electoral process in France.
The joint solution of problems of terrorism
The Russian President said that Moscow and Paris are determined to find joint solutions to the problems of Syria, Ukraine, the missile programme of the DPRK, as well as terrorism. “(Today held talks Putin and President of France Emmanuel macron) Spoke about the Ukrainian crisis, talked about the possibilities of settlement of the Syrian problem, of course, not paid attention to this complicated and dangerous, in my opinion, the situation as the situation with the nuclear problem in North Korea and the North Korean missile program, — said the Russian leader. — We are determined to seek a joint solution to all these problems — of course, so that they do not worsen the situation and improve it.”