Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that no sanctions can stop cooperation between Russia and the ASEAN countries.
At a press conference in Singapore after his participation in the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and the Russia-ASEAN summit, Putin said that any politically-motivated restrictions in the economy are a hindrance and hurt everyone, including those who introduce them.
No sanctions can stop cooperation between Russia and the ASEAN countries and the development of their economies, the Russian strongman said.
Putin meanwhile, stressed that Russia is ready to work with Japan to resolve controversial issues.
He also asserted that Russia’s participation in WEF in Davos “will not affect Russia’s authority in world’s economy. A country’s authority in the world’s economy depends on its economic power, the economy’s structure, results in terms of technological effectiveness, the GDP growth, macroeconomic indicators, small external debt, the absence of budget deficit or its minimum rate or, what is better, budget surplus, which Russia enjoys now.”
Those imposing restrictions on Russian businessmen’s participation in WEF impose them against themselves, Putin added.
On the other hand, the Russian President has spoken briefly with US Vice President Mike Pence and White House National Security Adviser John Bolton before the beginning of the plenary session of the East Asia Summit in Singapore.
Meeting with Pence, Bolton
Putin and Pence had discussed strategic stability as well as the implementation of a new start treaty, Sputnik said.
He said that he believes that strategic stability is the key issue on the agenda of Russia-US talks.
Commenting on Syrian influx of migrants, Putin said that Europe should get rid of its “phobias” and help the Syrian people if it does not want to face a new inflow of migrants.
Russia is ready for full-fledged work in Syria’s economy, which would be advantageous for Moscow, and hopes that joint humanitarian aid deliveries in Syria, conducted by Russia as well as France and Germany, will continue, Putin added.
Source: Sputnik
