May 17, 2017
14:40
Sochi
1 of 4
Press statements and answers
to journalists’ questions following Russian-Italian talks. With Prime
Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni.
President of Russia Vladimir
Putin: Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen,
I want to start
by noting our increasingly frequent meetings with our Italian partners
and friends. Last month, we received President Sergio Mattarella in Moscow, and today, we had
substantive and productive talks with Italian Prime Minister Mr Gentiloni.
Italy has traditionally been one
of Russia’s major partners and our countries seek to build
constructive relations based on equality and respect for each
other’s interests.
We discussed the whole range
of cooperation areas during the talks today, and outlined
concrete plans for further development. We gave priority attention
to promising areas for economic development.
Italy is one of Russia’s major
trade partners. Our bilateral trade came to around $20 billion last year.
Of course, as a result of the circumstances we know,
this figure is considerably lower than the peak figure we had
in 2013, but we do have grounds for hope because we saw bilateral
trade growth of close to 30 percent at the start
of this year.
It is very good to see that
reciprocal investment remains at a high level. Italian investment
in the Russian economy comes to more than $1 billion,
and Russian investment in Italy comes to $2.4 billion.
I am sure that
the implementation of the roadmap adopted last year
on trade and investment cooperation will contribute to deepening
business ties, as will the recent Italian government decision
to select Russia as a target country for stepping up
economic cooperation.
We invited Italian businesspeople
to take part in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum that opens on June 1. I remind
you that last year, we signed around 20 inter-corporate agreements
for a total of $1.3 billion with Italy alone.
Of course, we discussed
promising cooperation areas, including energy. Russia is Italy’s biggest
natural gas supplier, covering 43 percent of its gas demand. We have
agreed to continue developing our effective cooperation in this area.
We hope that Italian companies will
take part in promising work to produce hydrocarbons
and in projects to diversify Russian energy supplies
to Europe. I am referring here to the construction
of new mainline gas pipelines, in particular, along the southern
route. In this respect, I note the cooperation agreement just
signed between Rosneft and ENI.
We work together with good results
in industry, science, and high-tech sectors.
I must mention too our
productive cooperation in manned space flights. In two months’ time,
an international team will fly to the International Space
Station, with an Italian citizen among its members, Paolo Nespoli,
as astronaut from the European Space Agency. This will be his second
flight to the station.
Traditionally close ties
in culture and tourism are one of the distinguishing
features of our bilateral cooperation.
Italy is a very popular
destination among Russian tourists. In 2016, 710,000 people from Russia
visited Italy. We expect to see growing numbers of Italians visiting
Russia too. Specialised tourism offices have opened in Rome
and Milan, and this has already helped to boost the number
of Italian tourists coming to Russia.
Our two countries’ museums are
expanding their contacts. The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is
currently holding an exhibition of Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico,
and in June, the State Hermitage in St Petersburg will hold
a unique exhibition of historic artefacts from the collection
of the Egyptian Museum in Turin. In autumn, Days
of Moscow will take place in Milan, Genoa, and Venice,
and next year, the Russian Seasons will take place in Italy.
We discussed current issues
on the international and regional agendas, of course,
and looked at the crisis situations in Syria, Libya,
Ukraine, and on the Korean Peninsula.
Russia and Italy support joint
efforts by the international community to act against today’s
greatest threat – international terrorism.
Overall, we agreed to continue
deepening our foreign policy coordination. This is particularly relevant now,
with Italy holding a non-permanent seat on the UN Security
Council, and set to preside in the OSCE in 2018.
We discussed Russia’s relations
with the European Union. It is not at all possible to call them
normal right now, and we must try to avoid excessive politicisation
and restore a constructive spirit for cooperation.
I am sure that greater
economic cooperation between Russia and European countries and direct
ties between the Eurasian Economic Union and the EU would help
to strengthen trust across the entire Eurasian region.
I want to conclude
by thanking Mr Gentiloni and all of our Italian friends
and colleagues for this substantive and useful exchange
of views. I am sure that the agreements we reached today will
contribute to further all-round development of our bilateral ties.
Thank you for your attention.
Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni (retranslated): I thank President
Putin for the warm welcome in Sochi and our important
talks, which will continue during our working lunch.
Bilateral relations are,
of course, at the centre of our talks. We have always tried
to maintain – even in the most difficult times, which may
already be a thing of the past – the trust
of Italian companies in the Russian market
and the Russian business community. Our companies have always had
trust in that country. I think it was the right choice, because
the recent developments prove that following the difficult
times – which were due to a variety of reasons – that
the Italian and the Russian economies went through, today we can
see positive signs of resumed trade exchanges between our countries.
Approximately 600 Italian companies
are operating in Russia. The volume of trade remains
an important issue, and, as the President mentioned, we saw new
signs of it being restored in recent months. However, the data
looks fairly positive against the background of Italy’s overall
foreign trade. In terms of exports [to Russia], the Italian
economy has reached a level unseen in the past seven years. Our
companies prove that there is renewed interest in the Russian market
(Astaldi, ENI, Tecnimont, and others). This is evidenced
by the agreements that we signed today.
Prime Minister Renzi attended the St Petersburg International
Economic Forum last year. This year, too, the forum remains
an important event for our system. It will be attended
by general directors of major Italian companies
and an important Italian government delegation.
Keeping these economic relations
in mind, I would like to mention another important
and symbolic thing, which is our gratitude to Rosneft for giving
the Marche region 5 million [euros] to rebuild a hospital after
last year's earthquake.
We touched upon key international
issues in our conversations as well. From my perspective,
as the G7 chairman, I find it very important to understand
President Putin’s viewpoint on these issues.
I think that there are
opportunities for cooperation in fighting terrorism,
and responding to regional crises. I'm talking about Libya, Syria,
and Afghanistan, where Italy and Russia
(and the international community in general) can and should
cooperate. There are common threats, and I think that we should join
efforts as we try to respond to them. Some threats are quite
serious, such as, primarily, Libya. I think that we are doing well
in this arena as well.
Finally, in recent years, Italy
has been supporting an open dialogue between Russia
and the European Union. Of course, this strategic partnership
should not be suspended because of the crisis involving Ukraine.
I think that all the paths for working within this partnership,
including the partnership with the Eurasian Economic Union, should
remain open. Therefore, I once again thank President Putin
for the warm welcome in Sochi.
Question (retranslated): Mr
Gentiloni, you mentioned Libya. Do you really think that Moscow can nudge General
Haftar into reconciliation with the Government of National Accord
in Tripoli?
And a question
for President Putin: Do you believe it is possible to establish
a united government in Tripoli? Do you believe national
reconciliation is possible? I see Mr Lavrov is here, and I want to ask, did
he brief you on his recent meeting with President Trump? Also, how do you assess Trump’s action so far
as US president?
Paolo Gentiloni: A united
Libya is the common goal. I think this is in the interests
of both Italy and Russia. We both support UN Resolution 2259, which
welcomes the creation of the Government of National Accord.
We realise, however, that
the government should be broadened and we are working to ensure
that this expansion will be as inclusive as possible and will
include important political players such as General Haftar’s movement.
I believe that
the international community can and should make joint efforts
in this direction because a united Libya will boost stability
in the region, while a divided Libya would be dangerous
for everyone.
Vladimir Putin: I think
that there are hopes for civil peace in Libya. The country has
great importance in the region and is important for Europe
too as it has become a transit point for many refugees,
especially from Africa, trying to cross to Europe.
This situation cannot be put down
to whatever serious events, whether in North Africa, Iraq,
or in Syria. But on May 2, as we know, the first
meeting between the various political forces, General Haftar
and the government, took place.
We hope greatly that
the agreements reached at this meeting will go ahead and that
this will open the road towards swift restoration of civil peace
and stability in Libya.
For our part, we will do all
we can to facilitate this process, together with our Italian friends
and with all those who seek to normalise the situation, including
other countries in the region, particularly Egypt.
As for the results
of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit to the United States
and his meeting with President Trump, we assess the results highly.
This was the first visit, a return visit by our foreign
minister, after we received US Secretary of State Tillerson here
in Moscow.
This is normal and natural
international practice. At the same time, however, we see
the growing political schizophrenia in the United States. There
is no other way I can explain the accusations against
the current president that he handed whichever secrets over
to Lavrov.
Incidentally, I spoke with him
[Lavrov] today about this matter, and I will have to give him
a ticking off for not sharing these secrets with me. Not with me, nor
with our intelligence officials. This was really not good of him
at all.
What’s more, if the US
administration has no objection, we are ready to provide a transcript
of Lavrov’s conversation with Trump to the US Senate
and Congress. Of course, we would do this only if the American
administration so desires.
Initially, when we watched
the first developments in this internal political struggle, we were
amused. But now, the spectacle is becoming quite simply sad, and it
is causing us concern, because it is hard to imagine just how far people
willing to think up this kind of nonsense and absurdity might
go. All of this is ultimately about fanning anti-Russian sentiment.
This does not surprise me. They are
using anti-Russian slogans to destabilize the internal political
situation in the United States, but they do not realise that they are
harming their own country. If this is the case, then they are quite simply
stupid. If they do understand what they are doing, then they are dangerous and unscrupulous
people. In any event, this is the United States’ own affair
and we have no intention of getting involved.
As for assessments
of President Trump’s actions so far in office, this too is not our
affair. It is for the American people, American voters, to give
their assessment. Of course, this will be possible only once he is fully
allowed to work.
Question: Mr Prime Minister,
let me move from relations with the United States to a broader
international topic. In two weeks, the G7 Summit will be held under
your chairmanship. I would like to know what message you will convey
to the G7 leaders after talks with Russia. And, Mr President,
I would like to know what message would you like to convey
to the G7 leaders?
Paolo Gentiloni: The message
will be rather simple, namely, that Russia is a very important player
in the international arena and, in particular,
in the Mediterranean, which is of particular importance
for Italy, but also in many other regions.
That’s why when discussing various
world crises, the G7 leaders at this important meeting –
important because most of the leaders will be taking part in it
for the first time, so it is also unusual in this respect –
should take into account the views and positions of Russia, they
should be part of our discussion.
We know that there are things that
bring us together and things that divide us, but we also know that we have
common interests – international stability, the fight against
terrorism and the settlement of a number of crises.
We just talked about Libya,
and we can extend this conversation to Syria and even
to the risks emanating from the Korean peninsula. So,
I think it is the duty of those chairing the G7 this year
to keep an important player like Russia in mind.
Vladimir Putin: As for my message
that I conveyed to the Prime Minister, it is secret,
I cannot talk about it, it is confidential information.
Question (retranslated): Going
back to the G7, even though you said that your message is secret. But
the question I am addressing to both leaders is this: Is there
evidence or the expectation that the G7 will again become
the G8 in the foreseeable future?
And one more question
for Mr Gentiloni, if I may. The discussion
of the electoral law in Italy is again at an impasse.
Is it possible that the government will sooner or later get involved
in this process?
Paolo Gentiloni: I wouldn’t
want to bore my colleagues and the Russian journalists with
issues concerning the Italian electoral law. Partly because it is not
a very simple issue. You know that the government, from the moment
it was formed, declared that the issue is within the competence
of parliament, and we shall confine ourselves to supporting
and contributing to this work as best we can. We’ll see
in the coming weeks and months how it will work out.
As for the G7,
I repeat, the issue is not whether the G7 will again become
the G8. It is about working with a key partner like Russia
and looking for common ground on international crises.
Although we are managing
to take some steps forward in this regard, that is,
in the positive work being done in Syria, there have also been
difficulties, and there are some open questions regarding Ukraine, but
the further we move forward the easier it will be to answer your
question.
Vladimir Putin: We did not
refuse to be in the G8. Our partners chose not to come
to us. We will always gladly welcome anyone who wants to cooperate
with Russia in any format.
We will shortly be working
in the G20 format in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Just recently the Prime Minister and I were in China where
President Xi Jinping rolled out an impressive programme
of cooperation, a diverse and multifaceted one.
I am sure that if we work
in this format – without any restrictions, without any political
bias, and with the aim of achieving the maximum result
in the economy and also in the social sphere – we
can achieve results.
It is necessary to pool
efforts in the economic sphere, in combating terror
and poverty, and protecting nature and the climate. If we
act in concert then the result will be positive, and if we act
out of short-term considerations of political expediency, nothing
good will come of it.
Question: We know that
the Italian government has always consistently opposed tightening
the sanctions against Russia. Sectoral sanctions expire in July. Will
you remain as consistent as before, and what are you prepared
to propose to your European Union colleagues? Decisions
in the economic sphere, primarily?
And a question
for the President. Italy calls us a target country. Is Russia
prepared to give similar priority to working with Italy and, if so,
in what specific areas?
Paolo Gentiloni: Yes, we all
know the nature of these sanctions, that the European Union’s
decisions are connected with the Ukraine crisis and with compliance
with the Minsk Agreements. But our view is – and we have
insisted on it and will continue to do so
in the framework of the European Union and NATO –
the extension of sanctions cannot be automatic.
There has to be a serious
discussion of the issue. Of course, while preserving
the goal of maintaining the unity of the European
Union and the North Atlantic Alliance, because nothing can be achieved
separately, in addition to this unity we should factor in how
things are going with respect to the Ukraine crisis.
If compliance with the Minsk
Agreements remains our goal, we should clearly tell one another what
the situation is. Italy, by the way, has extra interest
in this because next year it will chair the OSCE,
an organisation which plays an important role in monitoring
compliance with some important concrete agreements made in Ukraine. So no
one should think that Italy will alone challenge the opinion of its
allies, but nor should anyone think that decisions such
as the decision on sanctions can be passed automatically without
a detailed discussion of the real situation.
Vladimir Putin: As regards
priorities in cooperation with Italy, there are many, our cooperation is
diversified. Above all this includes work in high-tech spheres,
in the field of science and education. You have seen
the signing of another agreement on cooperation between higher
education institutions.
As I said
in my opening remarks, we are working in the sphere
of space exploration. We have completed a massive programme
and there are good prospects for building planes, helicopters
and engines. We have good and interesting results and good
prospects in the sphere of infrastructure, not to mention
energy.
There are all sorts
of areas – hydrocarbon energy and renewable energy sources.
I was just discussing with the Prime Minister the interest
of the company Enel in developing wind energy. And there
are other areas.
We discussed it in detail
today and we don’t doubt for a moment that all these areas will
be relevant and will develop. We’ll be able to look
at the practical progress of many of these areas during
the course of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
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