Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are addressing participants of the St.Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out the distrust in the international arena which casts doubt on the possibility of global economic growth.
He went on saying that the actions of several countries may lead to “a systemic crisis the likes of which the world has not seen before,” adding that there appeared new forms of protectionism in trade policy, which, under far-fetched pretexts, cite national security interests as a reason to suppress rivals or ‘extort’ concessions.
Further Putin urged the United States, Europe, Asia and other countries to move together towards sustainable development.
“Russia calls for free trade and economic integration, for constructive partner-like dialogue, and calls on our partners from Europe, from America, from Asia, other regions of the world to move together towards the goals of sustainable development, to work out a model of growth which would give the most appropriate response to modern challenges,” he stressed.
The Russian president’s speech was followed by the address of his French counterpart, in which he noted that it was necessary to achieve financial independence of Europe, as well as to boost cross-investments.
Macron went on saying that he would like Russia to remain in the Council of Europe.
The SPIEF, held annually in Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg, is a major global platform for communication between business representatives and the discussion of crucial economic issues. The event began on Thursday and will continue through Saturday.