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Germany: EU Wants Closer Ties With Russia
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Sunday the European Union wants a long-term economic relationship with Russia and hopes to cement it at a summit in May.In building ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Schroeder has favored pressing him discreetly over his increasing control over Russian business and politics as opposed to the United States' blunter approach. "To foster security and prosperity in Europe and beyond, Russia and the European Union must work together closely and, in particular within the European Union, Germany must work closer and closer with Russia," Schroeder said at a trade fair in Hanover, where he greeted the Russian leader warmly. He noted that Germany is Russia's top trade partner. Putin sought to allay investor fears, meanwhile, saying speculation that the country would revise its privatization program was "groundless." He also said he was forging ahead with reforms. "We do realize the future of growth and diversification of the whole economy directly depends on the economic freedom in the country and the government's ability to ensure transparent conditions for business," he said. Schroeder said he was confident about a key Russia-EU agreement expected to be signed on May 10. The pact focuses on Russia-EU cooperation in four key areas: the economy, external security, justice matters and cultural affairs, including research and education. "We want a stable, long-term invested cooperation," Schroeder said. "I am optimistic that we can lay the foundation at the EU-Russia summit on May 10." Chechnya's Kremlin-backed President Alu Alkhanov also came to the event, an indication Putin is using the trip to underline his contention that the shattered region is now in a rebuilding phase. Posted by: .com 2005-04-11 |
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