Mr Medvedev’s message reads, in particular;
“In a relatively short space of time the RABC and the bilateral business councils acting under its aegis have made a big contribution to activating Russian-Arab trade, economic, investment, scientific, technical and humanitarian ties.
The organisation of the Arabia-EXPO 2008 exhibition is a clear illustration of this work. The exhibition will serve as a new forum for contact between Russian and Arab businesspeople and an opportunity to sign mutually beneficial contracts. We think that expanding ties between our business communities is the main reserve we can draw on to build up cooperation between Russia and the Arab countries and give it new substance. It is important that the forum will discuss cooperation in traditional sectors and also promising new areas for work together such as science-intensive and innovative technology.
We place particular importance on developing the financial and investment partnership between Russia and the Arab countries. Energy security and stability on the energy markets are also very relevant issues today. In this context, I am sure that the open exchange of views you will have will be useful for all participants.
Russia will continue its consistent efforts to build closer ties with the Arab world for the good of our countries’ and peoples’ prosperity and wellbeing and in the interests of regional and global stability”.