President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Good afternoon, Madame Federal Chancellor, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues.
We are meeting at a very dramatic time.
On the one hand, our meeting is not due to any emergencies. In recent years, we have been developing bilateral ties, and in my view, we have been doing a fairly good job of it, as we have achieved some truly impressive figures and volumes – in short, everything one generally cites when describing economic relations.
On the other hand, the situation is very complicated indeed.
I believe it is also a noteworthy fact that I am meeting with you who represent major German companies, even before I begin talks on the current issues of Russian-German relations with my partner, Madame Merkel. This indicates that these days, our main steps must be in the economic sphere. This also indicates we must first and foremost think about reviving our economies, rescuing them from the hardships they have faced, and make sure the process falls within more or less predictable scenario.
We must also act in such a way so that our peoples can benefit from the results of our work, as the people are certainly not at fault for the drastic changes in the global markets.
In bilateral cooperation, we have achieved a great deal, as I have just said. It would be highly undesirable if the momentum and the scope such cooperation has gained, are just lost.
When reviewing the documents in preparation for today’s meeting, I once again noticed that the latest turnover of 67 billion dollars, according to Russian estimates, is quite indicative in and of itself. The same is true for investments, which, according to Russian estimates, are 17 billion dollars, and are even higher according to German estimates, at 25 to 28 billion dollars. Even if the real figure is in the middle, these are good figures. It would be very sad if all of these results were to fall victim to the crisis.
We must also think about the lessons to be learnt from this crisis both in terms of international issues and in terms of bilateral relations, because the crisis has already affected our cooperation and such a fact is to be acknowledged, as we are neither blind nor deaf and are fully aware of what is taking place.
Unfortunately, everything that was and is happening causes fairly serious problems in our path. By this, I mean decrease in volumes of goods purchased and services requested, which negatively affects businesses and companies.
Of course, we are taking certain steps aimed to improve the situation, but it is not simple. As it is not simple, I would therefore like it if over the course of our conversation, perhaps, you made suggestions on how we may re-structure certain decisions or modify certain projects in order for relations between Russian and German businesses to develop with full-fledged, positive growth.
Naturally, we have a common view of what should be done to guarantee international financial stability. I do not think we should talk about this right now in detail, especially since our approaches are similar in many ways – in any case, in key aspects, we are sure our industries and manufacturers are in need of assistance.
On the other hand, such assistance must be reasoned, and support to any businesses must not substitute measures aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability and stabilisation of international financial markets.
That is why selecting the means to combat crisis is a key subject to be discussed by national leaders during London meetings. In this respect, we should probably find common approaches.
I think now we have a very good opportunity to verify mutual standings and to hear what the captains of German businesses think of this issue, and perhaps, come up with some new ideas.
Thank you.