Putin: Asia-Pacific Relations Also Include the United States
Sept. 7—Russian President Vladimir Putin took questions after his speech at the EEF Plenary Sept. 4.
The moderator first asked about Russia’s unique relations with China and India. referring to the relationship between the Elephant, the Dragon and the Bear. Putin underlined that these relationships were very important, but that the thrust of Russia’s foreign policy was multilateral, and these relationships were not exclusive. He also noted that Russia was not only home to the Bear, but also to the Ussuri tiger. Russian policy was focused multilaterally, he said, open to all nations. " For political reasons," he said, “many European companies have exited—yes, at a loss to themselves. We are aware of this and remain in contact; many are eager to return as soon as political restrictions are lifted. We do not turn our backs on anyone. Contrary to suggestions that we are "looking elsewhere," we are not… Our foreign and economic policies remain stable and predictable."
At one point he observed that the discussion on the Asia-Pacific had primarily dealt with Russia’s relations with China and India. “But the Asia-Pacific region also includes, say, the United States. And there are a lot of "interested parties" there who want to resume or start new work with us," Putin said. “We have good proposals for working with US companies in Alaska. Moreover, there are resources there, and we have technologies for gas extraction and liquefaction, which are much more efficient than those that some of our American partners have. They know this, and at the level of economic participants, companies are ready for cooperation. It does not depend on us—we are also ready, but if there are political decisions there, we will move in this direction, and we can work together in the Arctic.”
In reply to a question about President Donald Trump, Putin said that he was open to conversations with Trump and that they also have an agreement to hold phone conversations whenever necessary. He said, however, that he had not talked to Trump since his visit to China.
On Ukraine, he said that if the Europeans send "peace-keeping" troops to Ukraine, they would legally be regarded as targets for Russian forces. He said he would respect security guarantees that were developed for Ukraine and Russia, although no one has discussed security guarantees with Russia at a serious level. He said that if agreements on long-term peace were reached, Russia would implement them in full. He said he would be ready for contacts with Ukraine, but under the present conditions, he didn’t see that they would be very fruitful, and that it was unlikely that Kyiv would have the will to do so. If such a meeting would take place, Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy should come to Moscow.