RUSSIA's interesting latest news

Vladimir Putin attended the screening of the new Russian film Furious

November 29, 2017
21:20
Moscow






At the screening of the film Furious. With lead actor Ilya Malakov and lead actress Polina Chernyshova.

The plot revolves around events in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Rus. The main character is Evpaty Kolovrat, a Ryazan warrior and knight, who challenges Batu Khan’s horde.

The President was shown some of the props used in the making of the film: a sword, a shield, and costume elements – all hand-made.

Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, film director Dzhanik Fayziev, lead actor Ilya Malakov and lead actress Polina Chernyshova also attended the screening.

The film will premiere in Russia on November 30.

Meeting with Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang


Vladimir Putin met with Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang in the Kremlin.
November 29, 2017
18:40
The Kremlin, Moscow




With Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, friends and colleagues. I am very pleased to welcome all of you in Moscow.

We met fairly recently, but it is very good that we have firm, stable and continuous contacts that fully correspond to the level of our strategic partnership.

I would like to note that trade between Russia and China is going up. It already reached $61.6 billion from January to September of this year. This is tangible growth. I am sure it will reach $66 billion this year and we will develop it further.

I know that you have come to take part in the meeting of the prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that is confidently chaired now by China. This will be a summit meeting.

I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes to our great friend – President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

I am confident that your meeting in Sochi scheduled for tomorrow will be a success. No doubt, the governments play a major role in practical aspects of the entire range of our relations. So I wish you a good time in Russia, in Sochi and productive work.

I am very glad to see you.

Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang (retranslated): I am very pleased to take part in the meeting [of the Council of SCO Heads of Government] in Russia and to see you again during this event. Mr President, let me convey to you the warmest regards and best wishes from President Xi Jinping.

As you have just noted, today Chinese-Russian relations of strategic cooperation and partnership are making steady headway.

As for our trade, the trend has been positive since last year. This year it has already increased by over 20 percent. This shows that our cooperation has broad prospects and enormous potential.

I am convinced that our current meeting in Sochi will make a major contribution to the development of the SCO (we are sure this meeting of heads of government will be a success). I also hope that our participation in it will allow us to enhance further our cooperation with Russia.

Russia-Kyrgyzstani talks


Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who has arrived in Russia on a working visit.
November 29, 2017
17:20
The Kremlin, Moscow





President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

This is Sooronbay Jeenbekov's first foreign visit since taking office on November 24, 2017.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Jeenbekov, friends,

We are very pleased to welcome you in Moscow and would like once more – this time in person – to congratulate you on your convincing win in the presidential election.

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: You are a man of great experience. You recently led the government and played a direct role in mapping out all our strategic plans for cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

With your direct involvement, Kyrgyzstan became a full-fledged member of our main economic integration association [EAEU], and I would like to note that this has resulted in considerable growth in Kyrgyzstan's trade with the union's member states.

In terms of bilateral trade, after a small decline last year, this year has seen 32 percent growth in the first three quarters, and deliveries of your food products have increased 2.2 times.

These are very good indicators. I am confident that our relations in the economic sphere will continue to advance, as well as in the security sphere. Together we will take part in the CSTOsummit tomorrow.

In general, our relations are expanding across all areas, and I am very pleased that, as head of state, your first visit is to Russia, and we now have the opportunity to discuss further prospects for promoting bilateral relations and our joint work at international organisations.

Sooronbay Jeenbekov: Mr President,

Thank you very much for your warm and heartfelt words. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation to visit the Russian Federation.

For me, the fact that my first visit as president is to Moscow is deeply symbolic. This is the way it should be. It means that we, the Kyrgyz Republic, are firmly committed to strengthening our relations, alliance and strategic partnership.

I want to thank you once again for your personal understanding of matters relating to Kyrgyzstani-Russian relations. For my part, I will do my best to ensure that our alliance and strategic partnership get stronger and continue to improve and expand.

This year marks 25 years of our diplomatic relations. Russia and Kyrgyzstan have gone through a multitude of tests and trials during this period.

We had two revolutions. During the most recent one in 2010 we faced the threat of losing our state. We owe our ability to overcome all this, restore peace and stability, and get back on a sustainable development track to our multi-ethnic people, its wisdom and tenacity, as well as our senior government officials led by Almazbek Atambayev.

Russia and you personally deserve credit for this as well. We, the people of Kyrgyzstan, greatly value Russia’s assistance and support, we will always be grateful for it, and Russia will always be the main focus of our policy. We will continue to work hard towards this end.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Plenary session of the Third Railway Congress


Vladimir Putin addressed a plenary session of the Third Railway Congress, organised by Russian Railways (RZD) and the industry union.
November 29, 2017
15:20
Moscow






Plenary session of the Third Railway Congress.

The congress participants are discussing development guidelines for the rail transport and related industries for the immediate future, as well as strategic plans.

Representatives of industrial and transport companies, research centres, federal and regional authorities, and trade unions are taking part in the discussions.

The Third Railway Congress is being held in the year of the 180th anniversary of Russian railways. The first two congresses were held in 2007 and 2011.

Earlier in the day, Vladimir Putin visited the train service depot at the Moscow Kievskaya station.

* * *

Speech at plenary session of the Third Railway Congress

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

I would like to begin by thanking you for inviting me to the Third Railway Congress.

It should be said that your congress is an event on a national scale, considering the strategic importance of your industry as a backbone of the country’s development.

To begin with, I want to thank you, the hundreds of thousands of professionals, for your contribution. I wish health to the veteran workers and congratulate them on this anniversary: the first Russian railway line opened 180 years ago, in October 1837, to connect, as you know very well, St Petersburg and Tsarskoye Selo. Since then, the history of Russian railways has been inseparably connected with the history of Russia.

The development of Siberia and the Far East, the rapid industrial growth in the second half of the 19th century and in the early 20th century, the construction of industrial giants, as well as stable railway connections between the Baltic Sea and the Pacific Ocean – all of this only became possible thanks to the hard work of your predecessors and your work today.

Of course, we will never forget the heroism of the Railway Troops during the Great Patriotic War. Working in difficult frontline conditions under enemy fire, they ensured the transportation of military goods and the evacuation of people and industrial enterprises to the hinterland.

They restored old railway lines and built new ones incredibly fast: 20 million railcars with shells, military equipment and Red Army personnel were delivered to the frontline and 2,600 large industrial plants were evacuated to Russia’s eastern regions.

Many generations of railway staff worked to create the high prestige of your profession and the solid foundation that continues to serve Russia.

Our country is among the world’s largest in terms of the length of railways and ranks first internationally in terms of the length of electrified tracks. As many as 45 percent of the cargo in our country is transported by rail; on average, every Russian citizen uses the railways eight times a year.

Russian Railways is Russia's leading service company, which also competes for international freight flows. It is our country’s largest corporate employer and a major customer for the machine-building industry and many other sectors.

Importantly, Russian Railways systematically increases the efficiency of its operations and boosts productivity, which has grown by one third over the past five years. This year, it will grow by another 9 percent and, as planned, another 5 percent in 2018.

Thus, productivity will have increased by 50 percent by the end of 2018 as compared to 2011. This is a very good figure as compared to many other sectors of our country's economy. In fact, it is a key indicator.

Notably, the growth and quality of national economy, as well as its global competitiveness, largely depend on Russia’s railways. So, the tasks facing this industry require priority and constant attention and coordinated actions on behalf of the state, the regions, businesses, and, of course, Russian Railways as the key market participant.

I believe this is what we should focus on.

First, in the coming years, we will need to implement major projects which will form a space for future development of entire industries and territories, cut the costs of domestic producers, and help strengthen Russia's standing on the international market of cargo traffic, including container service.

Primarily, the issue is about increasing the throughput capacity of the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the Trans-Siberian Railway, developing railway infrastructure near the seaports of the Azov Sea and the Black Sea basin, the Russian Far East and northwestern Russia. It is also about a promising project such as the Northern Latitudinal Railway, which will shorten the cargo delivery distance to Western Siberia and give a new impetus to the development of the Russian Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.

To reiterate, it is important to coordinate railway construction and renovation with the plans to develop regions and industries. Building up transport infrastructure should open new opportunities for economic growth and expanding region-to-region ties, as well as forming globally competitive and attractive transport corridors.

The second point. To work successfully in the domestic market and enhance Russia’s transit potential, domestic carriers should constantly develop, raise their speed and improve the quality of service of passengers and cargo shipments. This means modernisation of management at railways, and more effective methods of train operations and new, modern logistics services.

To achieve this it is necessary to use digital technology on a broader scale and lay emphasis on domestic developments and competitive domestic software in introducing such decisions. I would like to ask the Government to thoroughly monitor these processes, including the work of the import replacement commission.

The third point. As I have already mentioned, Russian Railways is one of the largest customers in the country. The company is exerting strong, and sometimes decisive influence on the condition of the whole economic sector as well as the structure of the economic activities in the regions.

Russian Railways should organise its purchasing policy so as to encourage the development of the innovative segment of the domestic economy and production of modern products – from steel construction to rolling stock.

Naturally, it is also important to make sure that Russian Railways’ orders help develop small- and medium-sized high-tech enterprises. I would like you to pay special attention to this although this is exactly what is taking place now: in ten months of the current year Russian Railways bought 79 billion rubles worth of products or 51 percent more than during the same period of the past year. Overall, the Russian Railways holding purchased more than 190 billion rubles worth of products from small and medium-sized companies. These are impressive figures!

Fourth. It is necessary to continuously strengthen the personnel potential of the railway industry together with upgrading the professional skills of its workers. I know that Russian Railways has launched a large-scale youth support programme and is actively taking part in the WorldSkills Russia movement.

The executives of Russian Railways and I have just been to the Kievskaya Railway Station. I must say it was a great pleasure to talk with its workers who are all different ages. However, for the most part they are young people – very up to date, with extensive knowledge of many areas and well-educated too.

It is necessary to continue using branch-oriented education on a large scale, improve working conditions on the railways, increase wages, and pay close attention to the needs of the railway workers, including that of their housing and support of the industry’s veterans.

Friends! Our task is to continuously develop and strengthen Russia’s railway complex. I am sure that such important events as your convention will continue making a tangible contribution to this work.

I will return to my workplace to deal with the current problems at hand and I would once again like to congratulate you on such a wonderful event and wish you every success. Thank you very much for all the work you are doing.

THE RUSSIA's Government latest

Ensuring the launch of the Meteor-M Earth remote monitoring spacecraft from the Vostochny Space Launch Centre
27 November 2017 14:00


A spacecraft carrying a foreign-manufactured payload will be launched by Russian launch vehicles from the Vostochny Space Launch Centre.

Reference

Prepared by the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities in keeping with the federal law On Space Activity.

A signed directive approves a set of measures to launch a Meteor-M spacecraft (hereinafter referred to as SC) from the Vostochny Space Launch Centre for remote monitoring of the Earth. In particular, the directive provides for the rendering of services with the involvement of Defence Ministry personnel and resources. The Meteor-M SC will be launched as part of the Federal Space Programme for 2016−2025.

The Meteor-M remote earth monitoring SC was constructed by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics named after Andronik Iosifyan (VNIIEM).

At the same time, together with launching the Meteor-M SC, the following probes will be also launched:

- Baumanets-2 SC, built by the NPO Mashinostroyeniya, commissioned by the Bauman Moscow State Technical University for remote monitoring of the Earth’s surface in an optical wavelength band and for conducting experiments to study communication conditions through the “SC – downlink point” channel in the millimetre wavelength band.

- LEO Vantage SC (Canada) built by the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS/SFL) commissioned by the Canadian company Telesat. This SC is meant to test and approve its further usage in a global low-orbit satellite fleet in the Ka-band.

- 11 AISSat-3 SC (Kingdom of Norway) built by the Canadian Space Flight Laboratory, Inc. and commissioned by the Norwegian Space Centre. This SC is meant to receive signals from sea-craft automatic identification systems.

- IDEA SC (Japan) built by and for Astroscale Japan Inc. for observing orbital submillimetre space rubbish.

The directive also provides for additional payloads for scientific purposes consisting of 14 small spacecraft:

- SEAM SC built by and for the Royal Institute of Technology represented by the Department of Space and Plasma Physics (Kingdom of Sweden). This SC’s purpose is to measure the Earth’s magnetic fields for scientific purposes (and study associated processes in the geocosmic system).

- Two Landmapper-BC type SC manufactured by the Astro Digital US Inc. These SC are designed to collect multispectral images for agricultural planning, water monitoring and land development.

- Ten LEMUR type SC built by and for the Spire Global, Inc. (US). These SC are intended to monitor marine traffic by way of receiving signals from sea-craft automatic identification systems, to conduct weather forecasting on the basis of GPS-signal radio occultation measurements (GPS-RO) and to monitor aircraft using automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts (ADS-B) for peaceful purposes.

- D-Star One SC built by and for the German Orbital Systems GmbH. This SC is meant to upgrade a new satellite platform with a communication link for the D-Star service, which is used by amateur radio enthusiasts.

The ability to launch SC carrying foreign-manufactured payloads with Russian launch vehicles will provide additional income for the state coffers and will free up surplus funds that can then be further invested in the development of space’s infrastructure, as well as create new orders for Russian businesses and expand cooperation in space activities. It will also allow for the implementation of programmes for advancing the space industry and creating an infrastructure for the Vostochny Space Launch Centre, including financing using extrabudgetary funds.

Press statements following meeting with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Press statements following meeting with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

November 22, 2017
19:00
Sochi
video:  http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56153#

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

The President of Iran, Mr Rouhani, the President of Turkey, Mr Erdogan, and I have just concluded comprehensive talks on Syria, which were held in a constructive and businesslike manner.

We have thoroughly discussed the key aspects of the Syrian settlement and agreed to continue making every effort to resolve the primary task of establishing peace and stability in that country, and preserving its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

We noted with satisfaction the significant successes in our joint fight against terrorism, and confirmed our willingness to increase cooperation in order to completely destroy ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, and other extremist groups.

In our common opinion, the successes on the battlefield, which are bringing closer the liberation of Syria from militants, are also ushering in a qualitatively new stage in overcoming the crisis in general. I am referring to the realistic prospect of achieving lasting and comprehensive normalisation in Syria, including political life in that country, in the post-conflict period. This is precisely the aim of the joint statement that came out of our talks.

The document outlines the priority areas for further cooperation between Russia, Turkey, and Iran, which play a leading role in Syrian affairs, and sets specific goals for the future. We are united in our commitment to promote the interaction of the three states within the Astana format, which has already proved its effectiveness and contributed to significantly reducing the level of violence in Syria and creating the necessary conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

As guarantor countries, Russia, Iran and Turkey continue to work closely on strengthening the ceasefire, the sustainable functioning of de-escalation zones, and on increasing the level of trust between the parties to the conflict. To this end, priority steps have been identified to step up inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue on the basis of Security Council Resolution 2254.

I note with satisfaction that the presidents of Iran and Turkey supported the initiative to hold a country-wide forum in Syria – the National Dialogue Congress. We agreed to hold this very important event at an appropriate level and ensure the participation of representatives of broad sections of Syrian society. We have instructed the foreign ministries, as well as representatives of special services, security and defence agencies to continue looking into the makeup and timeframe for holding the congress here in Sochi.

Generally, the idea is to bring together at the negotiating table delegations from various political parties, the domestic and external opposition and ethnic and religious groups. The congress will address key issues on the national agenda for Syria, above all those related to defining the parameters of future statehood, the adoption of a new constitution and, based on that, holding elections under UN oversight. This will provide an incentive for stepping up efforts to bring about a settlement in Syria within the framework of the Geneva process. To reiterate, Syria’s fate should be decided by the Syrians themselves – both government loyalists and the opposition.

Our colleagues were briefed on the conversation with President of Syria Bashar Assad that took place here in Sochi. We took note of the Syrian leadership’s stated commitment to the principles of settling the political crisis by peaceful means and carrying out a constitutional reform, as well as free, UN-supervised elections.

During today’s talks, we did not bypass matters of Syria’s socioeconomic recovery. A great deal of work lies ahead, to help the Syrian people create infrastructure, restore industry, agriculture and trade and reopen social facilities: hospitals, schools and kindergartens.

It is of paramount importance – we have repeatedly stressed this – to boost the amount of humanitarian aid to the population, completely clear Syria’s territory of landmines and preserve the historical and cultural heritage. At our meeting today, we have agreed to do our best to encourage other states, as well as regional and international organisations, to become involved in these efforts.

In conclusion, I would like to thank our Iranian and Turkish partners, my colleagues President Rouhani and President Erdogan for this substantive, very useful and productive conversation. I would like to hope that the agreements that have been reached will help effectively accelerate a peacefull settlement in Syria and reduce the risks of the outbreak of new conflicts and the escalation of interethnic and interreligious rivalry and as result, will have the most positive impact on the situation in the Middle East as a whole.

Thank you.

President of Iran Hassan Rouhani (retranslated): In the name of Allah, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

I would like to begin by thanking President Putin for his important initiative to hold a summit of the three countries to address peace and stability in Syria, as well as to ensure that Syrian refugees safely return to their homes.

The importance of the moment that was chosen for this meeting is that at present, our decisions can help stabilise the situation in Syria, as well as foster the progress of the Astana meetings.

ISIS bases in Syria and Iraq have mostly been destroyed and a consensus with regard to fighting terrorism has been reached in the region. Terrorism cannot be a tool for any country; under any circumstances, terrorism is a threat to countries. We are seeing that now ISIS is threatening the countries that at one time were helping it, and it is killing innocent people in these countries. This is the context in which the present meeting was held.

The meeting was very useful; we exchanged views and shared our positions. The main aim is to form the Syrian National Dialogue Congress with the participation of representatives of all sections of the Syrian population – those who support the Syrian government and those who are in opposition to it – so that they could get together, discuss Syria’s future and create conditions for developing Syria’s new Constitution. The new Constitution could serve as a basis for holding elections in Syria. This could become a message of peace and stability for the entire region. Our three countries are urging all countries in the world to facilitate peace in Syria and to provide conditions for Syrian refugees to return home, as well as for the economic recovery of the Syrian state.

We laid out our positions. All the three countries spoke in favour of holding the Syrian National Dialogue Congress here in Sochi, as well as a meeting at the level of the three countries’ foreign ministers. Representatives of our countries’ intelligence and security agencies will meet to ensure conditions are in place to hold this congress.

We hope that this congress will become a new step toward peace and stability in Syria, as well as to free elections in Syria, based on a new Constitution.

I would like once again to thank President Putin for his invitation and also thank President Erdogan for his participation in this meeting. We hope that this process, aimed at achieving peace in Syria, will continue.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated):

Friends, ladies and gentlemen,

I extend my cordial greetings to you all. I would like to thank all our Russian friends as represented by my friend Mr Putin.

Our close dialogue with Russia continues both at the bilateral and regional level. We are achieving results in all areas, praise Allah. I would like to emphasise that we agree with Mr Putin that it is necessary to give additional impetus to our efforts.

During my bilateral meeting with Mr Rouhani, we came to the same conclusion – that we must continue to develop our relations in all areas.

During our meetings today, both with Mr Rouhani and Mr Putin, we had frank discussions on all agenda items. We again reviewed the measures we must take to bring about a truce in Syria. We were pleased to note that the formation of de-escalation zones played the main role in decreasing tensions.

We also discussed steps that may contribute to the Geneva process for a durable resolution of the Syrian conflict, taking into account the progress achieved at the Astana talks.

On the other hand, I would like to note that we unanimously agreed that we must support the implementation of a large-scale, free, fair and transparent political process led by the Syrian people as stipulated by UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

I would also like to note that we decided to coordinate our efforts to make a meaningful contribution to the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, which will be held at the initiative of the Russian Federation.

Our statement today is the first step reflecting the fundamental principles of our cooperation. There is no doubt in this context that we strongly believe that these positive steps should continue. The sides’ positions in this regard are key to the success of our efforts. This depends above all on the position of the government and the opposition. On the other hand, our mutual understanding and mutual respect as guarantor countries are crucial in this respect.

Our country’s priority will be to wipe out terrorist elements, which are encroaching on our country’s national security, on Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity. Nobody should expect us to stay under the same roof with a terrorist organisation that is encroaching on national security. If we state our commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, as well as to Syria’s political unity, we cannot see the blood-stained gang that is trying to divide the country as a legitimate player.

Ladies and gentlemen, during the consultations with Mr Putin and Mr Rouhani, we emphasised the importance of confidence-building measures. To implement these measures step by step, it is necessary to provide unhindered and continuous access to humanitarian aid for people who have for many years been isolated in this respect.

I believe that the point that we have reached will be a key stage in achieving this goal. On the other hand, I also believe that our meeting will be useful and will have a positive response in this region. I invite all responsible members of the international community to support our efforts.

Thank you very much.

Meeting with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin held a meeting in Sochi with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
November 22, 2017
18:40
Sochi

video:  http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56152#


The talks were devoted to the Syrian settlement process, taking into account the joint work in the Astana format. The participants in the meeting discussed further steps to ensure the long-term normalisation of the situation in Syria.

A joint statement by the presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey was adopted following talks.

Vladimir Putin, Hassan Rouhani and Recep Tayyip Erdogan also made statementsfor the press.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Rouhani, Mr Erdogan, colleagues,

See also
Joint statement by Presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey
November 22, 2017

First, I would like to thank all of you for accepting the invitation and coming to Russia, to Sochi, to discuss our continued joint work on Syria.

Large-scale military operations against terrorist gangs in Syria are coming to an end. I should note that the joint efforts of Russia, Iran and Turkey helped to prevent the disintegration of Syria and its capture by international terrorists and to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. Indeed, militants in Syria have suffered a decisive blow, and now there is a real chance to end the civil war that has lasted many years.

Less than a year ago, we initiated the launch of the Astana process, taking responsibility for guaranteeing the implementation of the agreements reached and promoting the inter-Syrian dialogue in Geneva under the aegis of the United Nations. For the first time, it was possible to bring together at one table representatives of the government and the armed opposition.

I want to note the special role of the President of Turkey and the President of Iran. Without the stance you took, the Astana process would not have existed: there would have been no cessation of hostilities, no ceasefire, no de-escalation zones.

As a result of seven rounds of meetings in Astana, crucial decisions for Syria have been adopted and are being implemented, the ceasefire has been observed, and four de-escalation zones have been established and are functioning in key regions of the country. It can be stated with certainty that we have reached a new stage that opens up the possibility of starting a real political settlement process.

I believe we should focus our efforts on ensuring long-term normalisation in Syria. I am primarily referring to the political settlement process, with the finalisation of the Geneva talks and assistance for the country’s post-conflict recovery. The current meeting is aimed precisely at resolving this strategic task.

We will discuss in detail further joint steps to consolidate and build on the afore-mentioned positive changes in Syria. We will exchange views on how to impart a powerful impetus to the political settlement process on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Let me recall that this document provides for launching a broad inter-Syrian dialogue with the participation of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Syria without exception.

This is the goal of the Russia-supported initiative to convene the Syrian National Dialogue Congress here in Sochi. I suggest discussing the parameters of this forum today. The Syrian people are to decide their future themselves and determine the principles underlying the structure of their government. Obviously, the reform process will not be easy and will require compromise and concessions from all of its participants, including the Syrian Government. I hope that Russia, Iran and Turkey will do their utmost to make this work productive. I am sure that success of the forthcoming reforms will largely depend on resolving Syria’s socio-economic issues: the restoration of industry, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare systems and education.

The humanitarian aspect is no less important. It includes targeted aid to the population, demining of liberated territories and assistance in the return of refugees.

Incidentally, after the implementation of our decisions on de-escalation zones, hundreds and even thousands of refugees are already returning home. Considering the enormous scale of destruction, we could think together about developing a long-term programme for Syria’s comprehensive recovery.

Experts of our countries conducted serious preparations for discussing substantive issues at the current talks, so I am confident that the discussion will be detailed and productive, and the agreements reached will help further restore peace and security in Syria and consolidate its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in general facilitate stabilisation in the Middle East.

Colleagues, I thank you for your attention. I would like to give the floor to President of Iran Hassan Rouhani. Then we would like to hear from our friend, President of TurkeyRecep Tayyip Erdogan.

President of Iran Hassan Rouhani (retranslated): In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

Mr Putin, President of the Russian Federation,

Mr Erdogan, President of Turkey,

I would like to thank Mr Putin, the President of Russia, for organising this important and frank meeting in the beautiful city of Sochi. I sincerely thank you for that.

It is gratifying that in the course of less than one year since the beginning of the Astana process, our three countries – the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey – have made extensive efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, and paved the way for a political settlement of the crisis in Syria. Today, new prospects for ending the crisis in Syria are opening up. I am very happy that our three countries, while emphasising the territorial integrity, national sovereignty, independence and unity of Syria, have pledged to closely cooperate in order to create peace and stability in Syria.

From the very beginning, the crisis in Syria was accompanied by direct foreign intervention, including comprehensive, all-round support and equipment and weapon supplies for the militant groups that later formed the backbone of ISIS and al-Nusra, and which were used to further fan the flames of terrorism in this country. This has been an important factor in prolonging the crisis.

Fortunately, today the main pillars of ISIS have been destroyed. The remaining terrorist groups are on the verge of collapse. We owe this victory, without a doubt, to the brave people of Syria, and to the volunteers, soldiers and brave young people who destroyed the devilish fortresses of terrorism and extinguished the flame of evil. These people are the vanguard of the international community in combating the abominable barbarism that threatens the entire human race. We need to continue our fight against terrorism to eradicate the last terrorist cells and all the con men in Syria, so that the Syrian people no longer suffer under the yoke of terrorism and terrorist acts.

If other peoples and countries in the region learn something from this artificial crisis of Syria, let it be this: some powers that claim to pursue democracy and human rights will not hesitate to make extensive use of the tools of terrorism and violence in order to achieve their short-sighted objectives in the region. The lesson, which these powers have not learned yet, is that the aftermath of supporting terrorism and extremism will not be confined to just one region; this evil will spread to all regions in the world.

Today the region is on the threshold of new conditions for eliminating violence. Those who bred terrorism are attempting to bring about a new crisis as they are concerned that terrorism has been defeated and that violent Salafism might spread to their countries. They are putting at risk the stability that has been created and the efforts that have been made by regional nations, including Iran.

For six years, the Syrian people fought terrorism that was funded and supplied with weapons and intelligence by foreign nations, and it needed friendly nations and governments to aid it in this unequal struggle. In that respect, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the first nation, the first government to answer the call of the government and the people of Syria to help them fight terrorism. We answered this call and lent our support to the unified Syrian government. We provided support to the people of Syria to restore peace and safety, to fight and eliminate terrorists, and to prevent a repeat of the pattern of destabilisation of Muslim countries like the one we have seen in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In both Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran has used all the means at its disposal to provide security, to restore these two countries and to fight terrorism. We have cooperated with the legitimate governments of these countries on this. We take a very serious stance with regard to fighting terrorism and we are ready to provide other countries with our assistance in this field at their request.

Unfortunately, some countries active in our region are following the examples of the United States and the Zionist regime to sow discord and hatred between the peoples of the region and to shift the responsibility for the outcomes of their hostile policy that seeks to tear the region apart.

The struggle against strife and unrest is one of the manifestations of the practical policy of Iran, which is taking an active part in the Astana format. Our strategy lies in joint actions and competition, coordination and oversight, cooperation with nations, and friendship rather than hostility.

All efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran are based on the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, legitimate cooperation and support for regional stability. By pooling our efforts, we have destroyed the decaying body of terror in Syria and dispersed the dark shadow of ISIS in that country. We have outlined a clear future for the region.

In our conditions, our noble mission is not only to combat terrorism but also to root out various forms of discrimination and poverty by force. This is why we must expand and deepen contacts and regional institutions. Using this approach we may develop a more powerful region and use all its advantages together.

Now that we are on the eve of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, I consider it necessary to make some points on achieving results.

First. The struggle against terrorism is not yet over and we must by no means give up our efforts to counter the spread of terrorism in the region in the light of recent victories over ISIS. We must help the people of Syria to continue their struggle until terrorism in their country is fully defeated.

Respect for the national sovereignty of Syria is an inalienable part of this struggle. There is no excuse for the presence of foreign troops on the territory of Syria without the permission of its legitimate Government.

After many years of struggle against terrorism and its patrons, Syrians are now in a position to use the new conditions to build a future where their needs are met and there is national and ethnic diversity, and stable popular democracy based on the power of the people. The people of Syria will not allow foreigners to interfere in their domestic affairs. Naturally, they will resist any attempts to encroach on their national sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence.

Third. The role of the international community in the future of Syria should, of course, be focused on providing assistance to the people of that country in order for them to be able to achieve stability, to put an end to the suffering of this nation, to foreign interference and the imposition of the views of others on the people of Syria.

The provision of comprehensive humanitarian aid is an important part of the political agenda. In order to alleviate the suffering of the people of Syria, it is necessary to include this in the agenda, and to create the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of refugees to their native lands. Countries and international organisations must cooperate here.

The recovery of Syria, as well as economic development in that country, requires the full support of the international community with an emphasis on rebuilding damaged and destroyed infrastructure, as well as creating production opportunities in that country, including the participation of the countries of the region. Our meeting today opens this new stage. Our joint efforts over the past 11 months have shown that, only with political coordination of cooperation and proper implementation of agreements, were we able to be successful in stopping terrorism and violence.

With regard to the National Congress, for it to succeed, it is imperative to coordinate the positions of all three countries at all levels.

In closing, I would like to thank the people and the government of Kazakhstan for making the Astana meeting possible; the people and the government of Turkey, Mr Erdogan, the government and the people of Russia, and Mr Putin for coordinating and holding the Astana meetings. I sincerely thank you all.

I hope that the continuation of this trilateral cooperation will provide fertile ground for the speedy settlement of the crisis in Syria and the resolution of this debilitating conflict.

Thank you for your attention. Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, Mr President.

We are all well aware that a special burden falls on Turkey’s shoulders due to the large influx of refugees. This is an unprecedented situation. Hundreds of thousands, millions of people are located on the territory of the Republic of Turkey.

I would like now to give the floor to Mr Erdogan, the President of Turkey.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Thank you very much.

Mr President, dear friends,

I would like to say how pleased I am to be here in Sochi with you. To my friend, Mr Putin, thank you for receiving all three of us here.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention the earthquake Iran suffered last week. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured and I would like to say, may Allah put at rest the souls of both our Iranian and Iraqi brothers.

Today’s trilateral council is of great importance for finally stopping the bloodshed and putting an end to the tragedy that has lasted for many years. The whole world has seen the progress Turkey, Russia and Iran have made in their efforts on the Syrian issue.

I would also like to express my gratitude to President Nazarbayev for the event for which he provided the venue in Kazakhstan. Our meetings in Astana were of benefit to the whole region, praise Allah.

The results that we have achieved are significant but we do not consider them sufficient. We believe that stakeholders should make a significant contribution to establishing political stability and providing a lasting settlement of this issue for the Syrian people.

The heads of our countries’ militaries have met. As for this trilateral summit, it will sum up the results of all the meetings that have been held. I believe that we will leave this place having achieved good results. I believe that we will make critical decisions today. With this feeling, I pray to Allah that this summit benefits all.

Thank you very much

Dmitry Medvedev’s conversation with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman

Dmitry Medvedev’s conversation with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman
22 November 2017 15:40 Gorki, Moscow Region


They discussed bilateral trade and economic cooperation, implementation of joint projects in energy and industrial production, and development of cultural ties.


Conversation with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman

22 November 2017


Conversation with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman

22 November 2017
Следующая новость


Conversation with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman

Excerpts from the transcript:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr President, I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you again. We met during the ASEM summit in Ulaanbaatar, where we discussed the development of economic and investment relations between Russia and the Czech Republic. I cannot but recall my trip to Prague in 2011. I know that your visit is also being accompanied by a series of cultural events, including the opening of an exhibition on Prague Castle Treasures, and we are happy about this.

Yesterday you had talks with President Putin. I believe you discussed major political, foreign policy and economic matters. Nevertheless, my colleagues and I, as the Prime Minister, will be ready to focus once again on the subjects that our Government is dealing with, notably, the development of economic ties with your country.

Let's face it, these relations have been damaged recently by the current complications between Russia and the EU but there are some positive moments as well. We have started gradually restoring our bilateral trade although the level of our best year of 2013 is still far off. I hope we will facilitate the invigoration of economic ties by joint efforts because this will benefit everyone – our citizens, the business community, those who create jobs plus those who invest in our economies. To sum up, we are ready for the most productive dialogue on these topics. I know you have other questions as well. Go ahead please, Mr President.

Milos Zeman: Thank you. Mr Prime Minister, unfortunately, I have a "present" for you which is not as pleasant as presents usually are. It is a copy of an article from the website of the Zvezda TV channel. It was written by some lunatic, and I wouldn’t have even looked at it, if it were not published during my visit here. The gist of the article is that, in 1968, so-called democratic socialism was not democratic and not socialism, that the Soviet occupation was not an occupation, and that during World War II we provided Germany with weapons, even though we were occupied by Germany. This was written by someone who is not a historian, and it is complete nonsense.

Mr Prime Minister, at all times and in all my roles – as Prime Minister and as President – I’ve been trying to develop mutually beneficial relations, both economic and beyond. However, now some people, some politicians in Prague are suggesting that I interrupt my visit to Russia and, because of this article, return home. I don’t think this would make sense. When you read this article, you will see that it is worse than what Prime Minister Yatsenyuk told the German television channel ARD, if you remember. "In 1943, the Soviet Union attacked Germany and occupied Ukraine on its way there" – that is a quote from the former Ukrainian prime minister. This is the same kind of nonsense. This is an insult to my homeland. I want you, Mr Prime Minister, to publicly state that this take has nothing in common with the official position of your Government.

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr President, you brought up this article. First, you were absolutely right when you said that this article was authored by an individual. This piece has a note to the effect that the opinion expressed in the article is that of the author and does not reflect the opinion of the TV channel’s editorial staff. I can confirm this. The Russian Federation has a variety of media just like your country, and we have proclaimed and try to do our best to follow the principle of non-interference in the activities of the media, be they private or state-owned. This article does not reflect the official position of our country. As you know, this position was formulated as early as 1993, when our countries drafted and signed the treaty. This position has been repeatedly affirmed by the leaders of countries, including President Putin in 2006, with respect to our assessment of the events of 1968, and by all other officials, including the one you are talking with at this moment.

The publication of this article clearly does not serve to improve the atmosphere during your visit. With regard to the visit, I want to note once again that we know you as a consistent supporter of promoting relations between our countries, and we appreciate you as a political leader precisely for your position, realising that this is not the easiest position, especially in the context of our current difficult relations with the European Union. We are counting on the fact that your example will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between our countries, states, and peoples, bearing in mind the complicated chapters of our common history, including the events in Czechoslovakia in 1968. So, Mr President, I would ask you to keep foremost in your mind the official position of the Russian Federation, its President, the Prime Minister and our other colleagues.

Milos Zeman: Excellent. Mr Prime Minister, I am pleased to accept your official and public statement to the effect that you share none of the opinions of the author of this article.

Dmitry Medvedev: Rest assured. We share none of the author’s opinions. You have heard our official position.

RUSSIA's latest

Press statements following Russian-Czech talks


Vladimir Putin and Milos Zeman made press statements following Russian-Czech talks.
November 21, 2017
16:40
Sochi




Press statements following Russian-Czech talks. With President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen,

The talks with the President of the Czech Republic were held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.

We discussed in detail the entire range of bilateral matters and we outlined certain plans for the future. We exchanged views on current international and regional topics as well.

This is my second meeting with Mr Zeman this year which is indicative of the great importance that we attach to the promotion of bilateral cooperation.

A month and a half from now, in January 2018, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.

Priority during the talks was given to economic ties. This year, by jointly pooling our efforts, we managed to overcome the decline in mutual trade, which had taken place over the past several years. Mr President pays special attention to this at all our meetings. Bilateral trade grew by 42.9 percent during January-September.

The Intergovernmental Commission does its part to promote our trade and economic relations. A representative delegation of Czech entrepreneurs has come to Russia with Mr Zeman, and will take part in two business forums in Moscow and in Yekaterinburg. I am confident that these forums will reinvigorate our business ties.


We discussed cooperation in the oil and gas sector, which is big. The Czech Republic is not only a major market for Russian goods, but also an important transit link for the Russian fuel supplied to consumers in Western Europe. This year, more than 19 billion cubic metres of gas has been pumped through the territory of the Czech Republic.

Cooperation is actively developing in the nuclear power industry. We supply nuclear fuel to power plants in the Czech Republic and provide service maintenance.

We reviewed industrial cooperation, including in the sphere of the car industry. As is known, Skoda assembles vehicles at Russian plants in Kaluga and Nizhny Novgorod. Other Czech companies produce auto parts: the BRISK company makes spark plugs in Togliatti, and Jihostroj makes hydraulic pumps in Tatarstan.

There are promising joint projects in high-tech and knowledge-intensive areas.

Businesses from the Czech Republic are widely represented in the Russian market, especially in metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemicals, and textile manufacturing.

Interregional cooperation is also growing: over 20 Russian regions have signed cooperation agreements with Czech regions.

Humanitarian ties are developing. The day after tomorrow President Zeman will open the exhibition, Treasures of Prague Castle, in Moscow’s State Historical Museum. Leading Russian ensembles perform or plan to perform in the Czech Republic.

I have expressed gratitude to the President and all citizens of the Czech Republic for their concern for our military memorials on Czech territory, where more than 50,000 Russian soldiers, who died in battles for the freedom of Czechoslovakia, in the fight against Nazism, are buried.

Relationships are growing between universities of the two countries: 70 bilateral agreements have been signed. There is also a mutual interest in language study ​​– Russian and Czech, respectively.

Mr Zeman has initiated the establishment of a Russian-Czech discussion club, which is intended to be an additional platform for informal communication between representatives of civil society in Russia and the Czech Republic. Of course, we will back this initiative.

We have touched upon the most pressing issues of the European and global agenda. We believe that normalisation of relations between the European Union and Russia would benefit everyone.

I have informed the President of our views on the prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis and the results of yesterday's meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as well as our antiterrorist plans in Syria and tomorrow’s trilateral meeting with the presidents of Iran and Turkey.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the President and all our Czech colleagues and friends for the open and informative conversation.

The President and his team have an even bigger programme in Russia. I am confident that this work will benefit the development of bilateral relations. And I want to thank the President for the attention he pays to the development of Russian-Czech relations.

Thank you.

President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman (retranslated): Ladies and gentlemen, Mr President,

I will pick up where President Putin left off and provide some facts for you.

I brought about 140 Czech entrepreneurs with me, and since the corresponding division of the Czech Army, which provides government services, operates only two Airbus aircraft, we had to lease a third plane.

When I was in France, I was accompanied by 14 entrepreneurs, whereas on this trip to Russia I am accompanied by 140 entrepreneurs, so you can conclude that Russia is ten times more important for us than France.

With regard to specific agreements and properly documented agreements, ten of them will be signed in Moscow and three in Yekaterinburg. The total value of the signed agreements will be $20 billion.

It is gratifying to know that 6,000 students from Russia are currently studying at Czech higher education institutions. It is also comforting to be aware of the fact that not only exports and imports are growing, but the number of Russian tourists coming to the Czech Republic is also on the rise.

This confirms that, despite all the sanctions, economic cooperation continues. However, this does not mean that I have reconciled myself to the sanctions. You are well aware that I have opposed them for a long time now, and this concerns not only the sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia, but also the sanctions that Russia has imposed on the EU.

One fine day, Mr President, we need to put an end to it in the food department. After all, if you do not, you will not be able to enjoy our excellent cheeses and yoghurts.

Vladimir Putin: We will get some beer, and then sort out the yogurt. (Laughter)

Milos Zeman: I am not sure if the sanctions include beer. I believe not.

However, Mr President, you were too modest in any case, because the idea of ​​establishing a Russian-Czech discussion forum came to both of us at the same time in China. I will be pleased if, primarily, historians will take part in this forum, if they get access to the archives and uncover new documents which will help shed light on certain chapters of our common history.

In closing, I would like to add that I consider it an enjoyable part of my job to present state decorations to WWII veterans who took part in the heroic liberation of Czechoslovakia.

Indeed, there are people who condemn and rewrite history. I think it is just pathetic.

In a recent interview with TASS, I gave an example of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk, who, speaking before the reporters of the German ARD channel, said the following (I quote): ”In 1943, the Soviet Union attacked Germany, and occupied Ukraine on its way there.“ Again, this was the prime minister. He is no longer in office, but I am afraid that this interview was not the reason for his dismissal or resignation.

So, those who do not remember their past are doomed to repeat it.

Thank you.
Russian-Czech talks


Vladimir Putin held talks in Sochi with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman, who is in Russia on an official visit.
November 21, 2017
16:00
Sochi






With President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman.

The agenda focused on the further development of Russian-Czech relations, in particular, in trade, economic and cultural spheres, as well as current European and international matters.

Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Milos Zeman made statements for the press.

* * *

Beginning of talks with President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman

President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman: You had a meeting with President al-Assadyesterday.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I will tell you the details of that meeting.

Milos Zeman: You have won in Syria, because he [President al-Assad] controls nearly the entire territory of Syria, with the exception of a few minor regions. And after all, he is the democratically elected president.

Vladimir Putin: Mr President, you are absolutely right. Indeed, the Syrian government forces have resumed control of 98 percent of the country’s territory. There are a few remaining seats of resistance, but they are rapidly diminishing under the blows delivered by our Aerospace Forces, the Syrian Army and allies. I will give you a detailed account.


But first I would like to thank you for accepting our invitation.

(Talking to the interpreter.) Sorry.

Milos Zeman: Do not translate. Even journalists must understand Russian. If they do not, too bad for them.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

We are glad to see you.

Relations between the Czech Republic and Russia continue to improve despite the recent problems, including thanks to your efforts, Mr President. I want to point out that our trade, which had been falling in the past few years quite significantly – it nearly halved, has grown over the first nine months by over 40 percent. It is a very good sign, a good indicator.

I know that you have a big agenda, including a visit to Yekaterinburg, if memory serves. This is one of the largest industrial centres in Russia, including in the Urals. You are accompanied by a large delegation of Czech business people.

Milos Zeman: One hundred and forty business people. Mr President, you know when I travelled to France, only fourteen business people accompanied me. One hundred and forty have come with me to Russia, which is ten times more.

Vladimir Putin: Because the Czech Republic has a bigger market here than in France.

Milos Zeman: Absolutely.

Vladimir Putin: This is the first reason.

The second reason is because large Czech companies such as Skoda operate here successfully.

Cooperation is also developing in the energy sector, both in hydrocarbons and nuclear power. There are some very interesting possibilities for cooperation in engineering, as I mentioned.

Overall, we have many things to discuss, including cultural links since almost one quarter of the Czech population speaks or at least understands the Russian language. Russians are also increasingly interested in the Czech language and I will talk about this later. Russia’s major theatre companies (the Mariinsky Theatre, the Russian Symphony Orchestra) are planning tours in the Czech Republic.

We have things to talk about. I am happy to see you. Welcome.

Milos Zeman: The majority of these things are positive. Some are negative though. For example, Mr President, we wanted to bring the relics of Saint Ludmila to show you the deep roots of our common culture. There were no ideological issues, only technical problems with arranging the relics’ placement and duration. Therefore, we have one more goal, which is to bring Saint Ludmila to Russia, not for two days as we planned first, but for a week or perhaps even longer.

This is the only negative point. There are no problems in other areas. All systems are operating normally as they say with spacecraft.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

<…
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a working visit to Russia


On November 20, President Vladimir Putin had talks with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad who was in Russia on a working visit.
November 21, 2017
08:00
Sochi






With President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad.

Vladimir Putin also introduced Bashar al-Assad to senior officials of the Russian Defence Ministry and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces who were in Sochi to attend another series of meetings on military construction and the State Armament Programme.

* * *

Beginning of meeting with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

Welcome to Sochi. First, let me congratulate you on Syria’s results in combating terrorist groups as well as on the fact that the Syrian people, despite a very difficult ordeal, are gradually moving towards the final and inevitable defeat of the terrorists.

Mr President, as you know, I will meet with my colleagues – the presidents of Turkey and Iran – here in Sochi the day after tomorrow. We have agreed to hold additional consultations with you during our meeting. Of course, the main subject on the agenda is a peaceful and lasting political settlement in Syria after the routing of the terrorists.

As you know, in addition to the partners I have mentioned we are also working closely together with other countries, such as Iraq, the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. We maintain constant contact with these partners.

I would like to talk with you about the basic principles of the political process and the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, the idea of which you have supported. I would like to hear your opinions on the current situation and development prospects and your views on the political process, which should ultimately be implemented under the UN auspices. We also hope that the UN will join the [political] process at its final stage.

I am glad to see you. Welcome to Russia.

President of Syria Bashar al-Assad (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President.

I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you two years and several weeks after Russia launched a very successful operation.

Over this period, we have achieved major success both on the battlefield and on the political track. Many regions in Syria have been liberated from the terrorists, and the Syrians who had to flee from these regions can now return there.

It should be acknowledged that the operation brought progress to the political settlement in Syria. And the process which was started and which Russia promoted with various efforts continues, above all, based on respect for the UN Charter, the state’s sovereignty and independence. This stance has been defended at various international platforms, including the talks in Astana. The same goes for the plans to hold the Syrian National Dialogue Conference in a few days. Today we have an excellent opportunity to discuss both the upcoming conference and the upcoming summit, and to coordinate our views on the next steps.

First, I would like to take an opportunity and pass congratulations and gratitude from the Syrian people to you, Mr President, for our joint success in defending Syria’s territorial integrity and independence. We would like to extend our gratitude to those institutions of the Russian state that provided assistance – primarily, the Russian Defence Ministry that has supported us throughout this operation. Also I would like to pass our gratitude to the Russian people who remain a friendly nation to us. They have supported us all along.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: You mentioned the Astana talks. I also think they were quite a success. Thanks to the Astana process we managed to create de-escalation zones, which allowed us to start the first real and in-depth dialogue with the opposition.

Based on the outcome of this meeting, I will consult further with the leaders of the countries I just mentioned. A conversation with the Emir of Qatar is scheduled for today. Tomorrow, I am speaking with US President Donald Trump. After that, I am speaking with the leaders of the countries in the region.

As you know, the so-called Riyadh opposition group will hold a meeting in Riyadh on November 22–23. Our representative, Mr Lavrentyev, will attend the opening and closing of this meeting, as well as a news conference, as a special presidential envoy. Therefore, I believe that our meeting today is a very good opportunity to coordinate our approaches on all settlement issues. I am glad that we can do this.

Bashar al-Assad: At this stage, and especially after our victories over the terrorists, we are interested in promoting the political process. We believe that the political situation that has developed in the regions offers an opportunity for progress in the political process. We hope Russia will support us by ensuring the external players’ non-interference in the political process, so that they will only support the process waged by the Syrians themselves.

We do not want to look back. We will accept and talk with anyone who is really interested in a political settlement.

Vladimir Putin: Very good. You have mentioned the completion of the military operation. I believe that terrorism is a global problem and the fight against it is, of course, far from over. As for our joint efforts against the terrorists in Syria, this military operation is nearing completion indeed.

I believe that the main task now is to launch the political process. I am glad that you are ready to work with anyone who wants peace and conflict resolution.

<…>
With President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad at a meeting with senior officials of the Russian Defence Ministry and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

Meeting with senior officials of the Defence Ministry and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces

Vladimir Putin: I have asked the President of Syria to attend our meeting.

I want him to see those who have played the key role in saving Syria.

Of course, Mr Assad knows some of you personally. He told me at our talks today that the Russian Army has saved Syria as a state. Much has been done to stabilise the situation in Syria. I hope that we will close the chapter on the fight against terrorism in Syria, although some seats of tension will remain or will flare up again.

There are more than enough problems with terrorism in the world, including in the Middle East and Syria. But our main mission is almost accomplished, and I hope we will be able to say that we have accomplished it soon.

We have held very substantial talks with the President of Syria today on all aspects related to normalisation, including subsequent steps on the political track. As you know, we will hold a trilateral meeting here in Sochi. However, I would like to say that conditions for a political process could not have been created without the armed forces, without your efforts and the efforts and heroism of your subordinates. This goal has been achieved thanks to the Russian Armed Forces and our Syrian friends on the battlefield. Thank you for this.

Bashar al-Assad (retranslated): President of Russia Vladimir Putin and I have just held talks. I have conveyed to him, and on his behalf to the Russian people, our gratitude for Russia’s efforts to save our country.

I would like to highlight the contribution of the Russian Armed Forces and the sacrifices they have made to achieve this goal. I was very glad to learn that you, those of you who were directly involved in the operation [in Syria] and who commanded the activities of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria will be present here today.

The operation barely started when I met with President Putin in Moscow two years ago. In the two years since then we can see the success that has been achieved thanks to cooperation between the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Army. Nobody can deny this success in the fight against terrorism now. Thanks to your actions, as well as the actions of the Syrian Army and our allies, many Syrians have returned home.

Speaking on behalf of the Syrian people, I would like to express our gratitude for what you have accomplished. We will never forget this. Also, I would like to thank personally President Vladimir Putin, [Defence Minister] Sergei Shoigu and [Chief of the General Staff] Valery Gerasimov for their direct involvement in this operation.

Thank you very much.

RUSSIA's latest

Unveiling of monument to Alexander III


Vladimir Putin took part in the unveiling ceremony for the monument to the Peacemaker tsar Alexander III. The monument has been erected in the Livadia Palace park, Crimea.
November 18, 2017
16:40
Crimea






Unveiling of monument to Alexander III.

The monument is a gift from the Russian Artists’ Union. The author of the sculptural composition is sculptor Andrei Kovalchuk, head of the Artists’ Union, People’s Artist of Russia. The monument has been erected in the park of the Livadia Palace, where Emperor Alexander III liked to stay with his family. The four-metre-tall bronze monument was created at a plant in the Urals. Alexander III is presented as sitting on a tree stump, dressed in military uniform and resting on his sword, with a stele behind him topped with a double-headed eagle.

After the ceremony, the President had a brief conversation with the local residents and young people.

* * *

Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Today here in Crimea, at the famous Livadia Palace, we are unveiling a monument to Alexander III, an outstanding statesman and patriot, a man of stamina, courage and unwavering will.

He always felt a tremendous personal responsibility for the country’s destiny: he fought for Russia in battlefields, and after he became the ruler, he did everything possible for the progress and strengthening of the nation, to protect it from turmoil, internal and external threats.

Contemporaries called him the Peacemaker tsar. However, according to Sergei Vitte, he gave Russia 13 years of peace not by yielding but by a fair and unwavering firmness. Alexander III stood up for the country’s interests directly and openly, and that policy ensured the growth of Russia’s influence and authority in the world.

The country’s industrial potential was growing dynamically, while a groundbreaking labour law was adopted protecting workers’ rights, a law that was far ahead of legal practices in many other countries.

New factories and plants were opening, new industrial sectors were springing up, and the railways expanded. It was the Emperor’s decree that started the construction of the Great Siberian Road – the Trans-Siberian Railway, which has been Russia’s asset for over a century.

Alexander III also began a major programme for the army’s modernisation. Large-scale shipbuilding projects were implemented, including those for the Black Sea Fleet.

He believed that a strong, sovereign and independent state should rely not only on its economic and military power but also on traditions; that it is crucial for a great nation to preserve its identity whereas any movement forward is impossible without respect for one’s own history, culture and spiritual values.

The reign of Alexander III was called the age of national revival, a true uplift of Russian art, painting, literature, music, education and science, the time of returning to our roots and historical heritage.

It was under Alexander III that the white-blue-red flag became widely used as the national flag, which has now become one of the major state symbols of our country.

Alexander III loved Russia and believed in it, and by unveiling this monument today we pay tribute to his deeds, achievements and merits, we show our respect for the continuous history of our country, for the people of all ranks and social classes who earnestly served the Fatherland.

I am confident that the current and future generations will do their best for the wellbeing and prosperity of the Fatherland, as much as our great ancestors did.

Thank you.

RUSSIA's interesting latest news

St Petersburg International Cultural Forum opening ceremony


Vladimir Putin opened the 6th St Petersburg International Cultural Forum.
November 17, 2017
20:30
St Petersburg


Opening ceremony of the St Petersburg International Cultural Forum.

The head of state made a welcoming speech at the forum’s opening ceremony.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, friends, Mr President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev,

I am pleased to welcome the participants and guests of the International Cultural Forum in Russia.

This is the sixth time cultural figures from many countries are meeting in St Petersburg to discuss with their colleagues problems of the arts and education and the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage, as well as to share their ideas and identify new avenues for developing cultural cooperation.

Your involvement, mutual trust and commitment to partnership show once again that culture is a universal language of communication and mutual understanding, and it has enormous potential for uniting people around noble humanistic goals.

Moreover, culture saves the most important, core values and standards and passes them on to future generations. It helps connect the past, present and the future, preserve the identity and uniqueness of every nation, and it also helps people navigate the rapidly changing global world.

Finally, culture, art and education are a response to the challenges of barbarity, intolerance and aggressive radicalism, which are threatening our civilization. This is a path toward overcoming dividing lines and barriers, as well as all sorts of prejudices that impede forward movement.

We highly appreciate the fact that the spirit and purpose of the St Petersburg Forum are very much in demand and that all together we have managed to create yet another venue for an open and equal dialogue, as well as for launching initiatives serving the mutual enrichment of cultures and therefore the harmonious development of the world as a whole.

One such project was presented today – the International Theatre Olympiad; our colleagues and I have just talked about this. It was decided to hold the Olympiad in Russia in 2019.

Our country already had the privilege of hosting this unique event in Moscow in 2001. It did its utmost to ensure that the event become unprecedented in terms of scale and significance. At that time about 5,000 actors from 40 countries participated in it while the number of spectators exceeded 1 million.

I have no doubt that the new show of theatrical achievements from all over the world will be just as successful. Especially given that its venue will be St Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world, which is rightly regarded as our country’s cultural capital.

Invaluable monuments and some of the world’s largest museums, theatres and libraries are concentrated here; the names of great musicians, artists and writers, whose works have become part of world cultural heritage, are associated with it.

All of this, without any doubt, fosters a special creative atmosphere in St Petersburg. I am confident that the participants and guests of the International Cultural Forum could feel this to the fullest. Allow me to wish you every success and all the very best.

Thank you.


Meeting with Russian and foreign cultural figures


Vladimir Putin held an informal meeting with Russian and foreign cultural figures taking part in the St Petersburg International Cultural Forum.
November 17, 2017
20:00
St Petersburg




At an informal meeting with Russian and foreign cultural figures.

Earlier in the day, the President held a meeting on supporting talented young people in the arts and a meeting with the Mariinsky Theatre’s board of trustees.

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Speech at a meeting with Russian and foreign cultural figures

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I would like to welcome you and thank you for your interest and attention to Russian art.

We are truly proud of our art and our professionals in the art world. But I would like to welcome you not just as guests of today's event, but also as outstanding figures of world culture. We are particularly glad that you come to us regularly and have joint projects with your colleagues that you not only generate but also carry out together with your colleagues in the Russian art world.

I probably do not need to say much about how important it is, how it unites people, how it helps us all to build the modern world, which should be based, above all, on humanistic principles. Who, if not you, can and must do this?

It is particularly gratifying that you do not confine yourselves to your national quarters. You work as citizens of the world in the fullest sense of the term. I want to thank you for this and, once again, to cordially welcome you to St Petersburg, which, without a doubt, is also an object of our pride.

Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world. We rightfully call it the cultural capital of our country. It is so great that cultural figures from all over the world have gathered here for the sixth time in order to talk about how the modern world lives and breathes, to think together about what it should look like in the near future and what needs to be done together to achieve that.

Let me again thank you for your participation in today's event. Thank you very much!
Meeting on supporting talented youth in arts


Vladimir Putin held a meeting on identifying, supporting and training talented youth in the arts.
November 17, 2017
18:30
St Petersburg



Meeting on supporting talented youth in arts.

The meeting was held in the New Stage building of the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre.

Opening speech at the meeting on identifying, supporting and training talented youth in the arts

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends, colleagues.

Today, I suggest that we discuss ways to support young people. As you are aware, we have been paying much attention to this area in recent years across many different spheres, including research activities, creative projects and blue-collar professions. We are covering different areas.

Today, I would like to talk about things that are close to you, and discuss ways to support young talented people who are being trained or are taking their first steps in the arts. Of course, this is one of the most important areas.

Long-standing and rich traditions of creativity, great schools of theatre, art, ballet, and music are certainly part of our national heritage. Russia continues to hold strong, if not leading positions in this area. The state, cultural figures and the public should not just preserve these traditions, but build on them and ensure continuity.

This is a prerequisite for the harmonious, mature, and free development of our society and our entire country. Our competitiveness in culture and the arts will be just as important for our future, which is taking shape literally before our eyes, as in the spheres that I have just mentioned, primarily, the hard sciences, technology, and the like.

We are now forming an entire system aimed at identifying and discovering young talents. I have already mentioned these areas which include science, engineering, and blue-collar professions, and, of course, sports. We should focus on supporting them as they make their first steps in their careers, which are sometimes the most difficult. Our discussion today is also designed to elicit suggestions for innovative and more effective approaches.

It is obvious that working with talented and creative young people, especially in a sphere like culture, requires additional flexibility and unusual approaches, as well as doing away with standardised templates, mechanical uniformity and other such things. We should not narrow the training of creative professionals down to simple “educational services.”

I have heard people criticise this phrase many times. You know, it is impossible to get away from it completely, I understand this, but I also understand that this is something bigger than just a service. By the way, our colleagues in healthcare say the same thing.

According to expert assessments, we have accumulated a whole host of problems, which must be solved to preserve the high level of training in the arts. The most important of them is the so-called sectoral approach we have now, which means categorising culture as part of the social sphere only, which has been the traditional approach.

According to many of your colleagues, its norms and rules, including financing methods, target indicators and current tender and accounting systems have become something like a Procrustean bed for culture.

Perhaps this view is debatable, but we can partly agree with it, of course, it is not groundless.

Let us spend some time on this issue, as well as other aspects, and I am ready to talk about them. Let us discuss what measures are necessary to create the most favourable approach to developing culture in general and education in this area in particular.

I would also like to discuss the issue of financial support for professional training in creative fields. Let me note that the initiative of the participants of the Tavrida National Youth Forum has already been implemented. They proposed, if you remember – maybe some took notice – to give talented people an opportunity to receive a second degree in culture and the arts free of charge. Today it is prohibited by law.

There are 20 additional grants for that, which will be provided each year on a competitive basis. The application for them has already been reviewed at the Presidential Grants Foundation.

I would like to stress that these grants will be added to the money, big money in fact, that the foundation already allocates for projects in culture and the arts. Non-profit organisations have received 621 million rubles for this this year alone.

Let us also discuss which measures we should take to increase the quality of training creative professionals and to create the necessary conditions to form the next generation worthy of Russian art.

Who would like to begin?

<…>

Vladimir Putin: I am not going to make a closing speech now, but I would like to reassure you that we will try to summarise all that has been said and we will respond to it as soon as possible.

These open [procurement] tenders that Mr Zaslavsky and many colleagues have mentioned, they are not necessary for everything aside from general everyday items such as paper clips, curtains and chairs, which can be purchased at open tenders, and this should be done.

But the rest, everything related to creative activities, does not fit into this Procrustean bed as I have mentioned, and it is not possible to fit it there. Therefore, amendments certainly need to be made.

As regards the arts and culture in the education system being assigned to some department, I think you are right to a large extent. Once more, I do not wish to try and solve these issues on the spot. But we will work towards this.

Lastly, Mr Matsuyev began and Mr Bashmet finished speaking about discovering and training talented young people. This all depends on funding. We have already discussed this with our colleagues, and I propose adding a new element to the presidential grants system –support for talented young people to help them take their first steps without thinking about money.

Denis Matsuyev said his grandmother had to sell her apartment. So we must make sure young people have opportunities, because not everyone has parents who can do such things and grandmothers who can sell something. And there are talented young people – musicians, actors, authors – and we must provide assistance to them.

This is the first part. And the second part of this grant should go to discovering talented young people. We will make this addition to presidential grants an annual thing; it will amount to one billion rubles.

Thank you very much!
Meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev


Vladimir Putin met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev, who has arrived in Russia to take part in events of the St Petersburg International Cultural Forum.
November 17, 2017
15:30
The Kremlin, Moscow



Meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev.

The two leaders discussed the results of long-standing bilateral cooperation in the interests of strengthening the entire range of Russian-Kyrgyz relations.

Mr Atambayev is leaving office. The inauguration of the new President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who won the presidential election in October 2017, will take place on November 24 in Bishkek.

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Beginning of the meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Atambayev, I am happy to see you, this time in St Petersburg.

I remember that your first foreign visit as the President of Kyrgyzstan back in 2012 was to Russia. Now you are completing your time in office and one of your final foreign trips as President is also to Russia. It is only a coincidence but…

President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev: But it is symbolic.

Vladimir Putin: I am pleased to note that during your presidency the quality of Russia−Kyrgyzstan relations has significantly changed.

The Kyrgyz Republic became a member of our economic union. There has been progress in our cooperation in the economy, security, including strengthening of the external borders, and culture.

I am particularly glad that you accepted the invitation and arrived for this cultural forum. You will see that it is a major and very interesting international event that is taking place for the sixth time in Russia, in its cultural capital, St Petersburg, which is for a reason. Outstanding Russian people of culture as well as our friends and guests from other countries will attend.

I know you have many ideas about reinforcing and building up the results that our peoples have achieved together over the previous decades and, perhaps, even over centuries. Your initiative in this respect is inspiring and we have supported and will support it further.

I believe it is very important to emphasise the long history of our relations. We have already spoken about this. The first major event already took place in Kyrgyzstan. We are ready to offer Russian venues for future events as well, so I will be glad to discuss the entire scope of our relations.

Welcome.

Almazbek Atambayev: Thank you, Mr Putin.

You were right to note, and I have noticed this as well, that it is symbolic that Russia is the destination of my first and last foreign visits as President of Kyrgyzstan.

I now recall that in the early days of my Presidency people mocked me for saying that Russia is our ancestral home. As you know, this year we hosted the Altai Forum, bringing together academics from about 30 countries.

Next year, there will be another event, the International Altai Congress. It was held in many places, except Altai. But this time we persuaded them to hold it in our country.

This forum is dominated by Western researchers. Of course, we need to be mindful of our history, because people who forget the path they took in the past will not be able to find their way into the future.

I am very happy to be able to meet you. I would very much like Kyrgyzstan and Russia to maintain their relations in their current state forever, for centuries, since as you know there were attempts to destroy, dismantle these ties and take them along a different path.

The last six years were very challenging for me in this regard. Of course, I would very much like these brotherly relations that we have restored to become only stronger. In this respect, I believe that today’s meeting can be very effective. And in general, I am very happy to see you again.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Almazbek Atambayev: It is a great pleasure to see Leningrad. Regarding the cultural forum, let me tell you that I am a fan of the singer-songwriter genre. Last year, may I remind you, it was Bob Dylan who took the Nobel prize in literature.

He is a singer-songwriter, but we know that the best representatives of this genre have always been in Russia. I believe that there should be a place for this kind of music at the cultural forum. Maybe one of the next Nobel prize winners will be from Russia…

Vladimir Putin: We will think about that.


Dmitry Medvedev’s meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
17 November 2017 13:20 Gorki, Moscow Region


Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has come to Moscow for the first WHO Global Ministerial Conference titled Ending Tuberculosis in the Sustainable Development Era: A Multisectoral Response.

Excerpts from the transcript:





Meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Dmitry Medvedev: This is your first visit to Russia in the capacity of WHO Director-General. Yesterday you attended the first WHO Global Ministerial Conference on ending TB. President of Russia Vladimir Putin delivered his remarks there.

We support your position on strengthening the influence of the World Health Organisation for protecting health and fighting epidemics as well as other global challenges in healthcare.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (via interpreter): The conference is a huge success. Its attendance has increased from some 40 ministers in the past to over 80 ministers now.

You are doing a good job trying to end TB. The progress achieved in Russia over the past few years could also benefit others too who can learn from your experience. Moscow is the right place for this conference.

Today we will adopt a declaration, which will become the fundamental document at the UN General Assembly in September 2018. I believe that you will continue to be a leader in this sphere.

We appreciate your leading role in the fight against this disease. I am grateful to Minister [Veronika] Skvortsova for her contribution to end TB and in other spheres as well. She has worked very fruitfully also within the framework of the General Assembly.