Moscow/New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the practice of protectionism, saying such an approach fosters separatism and is harmful both to those who adopt it and to the global economy as well as international trade.
‘’It fosters separatism, both regional and national. Nothing positive comes from pursuing such a policy, as today’s world is highly interconnected and driven by possibilities and technological development,’’ President Putin said at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum at Russky Island in Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan.
Indirectly referring to the US trade and tariff war President Putin said Isolating oneself within a purely national framework is difficult and counterproductive as it inevitably undermines competitiveness.
Referring to US President Donald Trump’s appeal to NATO countries not to buy energy from Russia, President Putin said that for political reasons, many European companies had ‘’exited – yes, at a loss to themselves.’’ He, however, said many European countries are ‘’eager to return.’’
‘’Many are eager to return as soon as political restrictions are lifted. We do not turn our backs on anyone.’’
He said Russia had not turned away anyone or forced anyone out and those who wish to return are always welcome, but based on the conditions that are developing at the moment.
‘’We proceed from the fact that Russia is open to cooperation with all countries of the world, and above all with those who are willing to work with us, with our friends. At the same time, we are not shutting ourselves off from anyone,’’ he said.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the European union spent 1.15bn euros on Russian fossil fuels in August. The five largest importers accounted for 85 percent of that total, buying 979 million euros worth of Russian oil and gas. The top buyers of Russian energy include France, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary and Slovakia.
Referring to analogy of the ‘’dragon and the elephant dancing together,’’ (China and India) and the understanding witnessed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, the Russian President said this analogy was originally made by President Xi Jinping.
‘’Later the bear was added. The bear, of course, symbolises Russia.’’
