WEBVTT 1 00:00:03.300 --> 00:00:11.369 Welcome! I am sorry for keeping you waiting, 2 00:00:11.369 --> 00:00:17.737 but we had a lot of interesting topics to discuss. 3 00:00:17.737 --> 00:00:24.251 This year, Finland celebrates the 100th anniversary of its 4 00:00:24.251 --> 00:00:30.024 independence, and we very much appreciate the fact that President Putin 5 00:00:30.024 --> 00:00:33.766 came here and will join us in celebrating this event. 6 00:00:33.766 --> 00:00:39.014 At the same time, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary 7 00:00:39.014 --> 00:00:42.608 of relations between our countries. 8 00:00:42.608 --> 00:00:47.892 Once again, welcome. We very much appreciate your presence here. 9 00:00:47.892 --> 00:00:52.629 Currently, as befits good neighbours, 10 00:00:52.629 --> 00:00:57.746 we have extensive bilateral relations and ties. 11 00:00:57.746 --> 00:01:04.507 We are also witnessing some new life, an upswing in relations, 12 00:01:04.507 --> 00:01:09.563 as things are looking up in the economic sphere in both countries. 13 00:01:09.563 --> 00:01:15.722 There are more tourists going to both countries, 14 00:01:15.722 --> 00:01:21.880 and bilateral trade has picked up significantly. 15 00:01:21.880 --> 00:01:28.162 We also have common goals that we are striving to achieve. 16 00:01:28.162 --> 00:01:33.665 Notable is the toxic waste disposal site, Krasny Bor, 17 00:01:33.665 --> 00:01:39.660 near St Petersburg. We discussed this issue last year. 18 00:01:39.660 --> 00:01:45.600 We made some progress, and samples were taken at this site. 19 00:01:45.600 --> 00:01:50.754 Indeed, our goal is to move forward in resolving this issue. 20 00:01:50.754 --> 00:01:56.541 We also talked about the projects that were implemented 21 00:01:56.541 --> 00:02:01.580 in the Baltic Sea region. 22 00:02:01.580 --> 00:02:07.507 We mentioned the sewage treatment plants that were put into operation 23 00:02:07.507 --> 00:02:13.985 in Kaliningrad, and this also serves as a reminder about the Northern 24 00:02:13.985 --> 00:02:20.873 Dimension initiative, which has come to a standstill due to sanctions, 25 00:02:20.873 --> 00:02:26.143 but I believe that, nonetheless, 26 00:02:26.143 --> 00:02:31.696 we should not forget about it and keep it alive, 27 00:02:31.696 --> 00:02:37.216 at least in our thoughts, because Northern Dimension allowed us 28 00:02:37.216 --> 00:02:41.569 to achieve a lot of good things. 29 00:02:41.569 --> 00:02:46.332 We can mention the treatment facilities in St Petersburg, 30 00:02:46.332 --> 00:02:50.867 and now the treatment facilities in Kaliningrad, too. 31 00:02:50.867 --> 00:02:56.678 We also talked about the security situation in the Baltic Sea region. 32 00:02:56.678 --> 00:03:00.953 We are planning major military exercises, 33 00:03:00.953 --> 00:03:04.356 West-2017 and Aurora. 34 00:03:04.356 --> 00:03:09.289 We are also keeping an eye on a certain intensification in the movement 35 00:03:09.289 --> 00:03:14.645 of military aircraft, ships, troops. 36 00:03:14.645 --> 00:03:21.637 In order for us to avoid negative consequences, 37 00:03:21.637 --> 00:03:29.491 situations that no one wants, we need to maintain dialogue. 38 00:03:29.491 --> 00:03:35.696 I would also like for people here in Finland to see that not all is 39 00:03:35.696 --> 00:03:41.721 as bad as it seems and that progress has been made. 40 00:03:41.721 --> 00:03:48.999 I also want to recall the interview that NATO Secretary 41 00:03:48.999 --> 00:03:54.537 General Mr Stoltenberg gave. 42 00:03:54.537 --> 00:04:03.367 He described the recent NATO-Russia Council meeting as constructive. 43 00:04:03.367 --> 00:04:11.417 The need for this kind of ongoing dialogue is also clear from 44 00:04:11.417 --> 00:04:17.768 the discussions taking place in the working group at ICAO, 45 00:04:17.768 --> 00:04:23.251 in which the Russian Federation is represented, 46 00:04:23.251 --> 00:04:28.018 as well as the other Baltic Sea countries and NATO. 47 00:04:28.018 --> 00:04:33.412 Working in this format, we have reached agreement on best practice 48 00:04:33.412 --> 00:04:38.231 regarding aviation and flight safety. 49 00:04:38.231 --> 00:04:44.045 Discussion and examination of the issues related to turning 50 00:04:44.045 --> 00:04:48.361 on transponders during flights continue there, 51 00:04:48.361 --> 00:04:52.080 and in a positive spirit, as far as we know. 52 00:04:52.080 --> 00:04:57.534 We also discussed matters related to Finland’s chairmanship 53 00:04:57.534 --> 00:05:00.409 of the Arctic Council. 54 00:05:00.409 --> 00:05:06.789 Our country has only just taken up its functions as chair. 55 00:05:06.789 --> 00:05:12.970 President Putin showed great understanding with regard to the idea 56 00:05:12.970 --> 00:05:20.134 I put forward, the idea that Finland would make a proposal that would 57 00:05:20.134 --> 00:05:23.723 be very difficult to reject. 58 00:05:23.723 --> 00:05:33.807 This proposal is about fighting black soot pollution. 59 00:05:33.807 --> 00:05:45.011 This pollution is caused by aging energy production facilities, 60 00:05:45.011 --> 00:05:56.130 power stations, and flaring associated gas. 61 00:05:56.130 --> 00:06:03.913 Fighting black soot pollution does not impair anyone’s 62 00:06:03.913 --> 00:06:11.796 economic interests. 63 00:06:11.796 --> 00:06:18.506 We also discussed the situation in Ukraine, 64 00:06:18.506 --> 00:06:24.296 in which we see no improvement. 65 00:06:24.296 --> 00:06:30.788 The most urgent task would be to agree on a truce. 66 00:06:30.788 --> 00:06:36.631 It is possible and essential to move forward, 67 00:06:36.631 --> 00:06:40.526 even if with only small steps. 68 00:06:40.526 --> 00:06:45.706 Such steps could include an exchange of persons in custody, 69 00:06:45.706 --> 00:06:48.965 for example. It would be possible to begin with these kinds 70 00:06:48.965 --> 00:06:51.278 of small steps. 71 00:06:51.278 --> 00:06:55.024 Our talks were very substantive and interesting. 72 00:06:55.024 --> 00:06:58.183 We did not even manage to discuss everything. 73 00:06:58.183 --> 00:07:01.934 We have not yet discussed Syria, for example, or disarmament, 74 00:07:01.934 --> 00:07:04.362 which is another issue I very much hoped to discuss. 75 00:07:04.362 --> 00:07:06.483 But during the boat trip we will have a chance to talk about these 76 00:07:06.483 --> 00:07:09.090 and other matters, and I think there will be some time 77 00:07:09.090 --> 00:07:11.306 for us to talk in the evening, too. 78 00:07:11.306 --> 00:07:13.814 Thank you very much for an interesting discussion. 79 00:07:13.814 --> 00:07:20.899 Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, 80 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:27.746 I want to start by thanking Mr Niinisto for the invitation, 81 00:07:27.746 --> 00:07:33.365 all the more so in this year when Finland is marking the 100th 82 00:07:33.365 --> 00:07:39.236 anniversary of its independence. 83 00:07:39.236 --> 00:07:48.352 84 00:07:48.352 --> 00:07:59.213 In this connection, we have a big programme of joint cultural events. 85 00:07:59.213 --> 00:08:05.860 86 00:08:05.860 --> 00:08:20.892 As for our talks, they took place in the constructive and friendly atmosphere, traditional for our contacts. 87 00:08:20.892 --> 00:08:39.107 This was our second meeting this year. We also visited each other in 2016. 88 00:08:39.107 --> 00:08:48.770 I am sure that this political dialogue is most certainly a positive 89 00:08:48.770 --> 00:08:56.871 factor for stimulating development of our bilateral ties. 90 00:08:56.871 --> 00:09:05.342 Mr Niinisto already mentioned that this year also marks the 25th 91 00:09:05.342 --> 00:09:12.902 anniversary of the treaty on the foundations of relations 92 00:09:12.902 --> 00:09:16.421 between Russia and Finland. 93 00:09:16.421 --> 00:09:23.198 Today, we took a detailed look at the full spectrum 94 00:09:23.198 --> 00:09:31.459 of bilateral cooperation matters. 95 00:09:31.459 --> 00:09:42.155 We noted that our bilateral trade has picked up and posted an increase 96 00:09:42.155 --> 00:09:55.259 of close to 51 percent for the January-May period. 97 00:09:55.259 --> 00:10:04.588 Our common task is to support and do all we can to keep this pace going 98 00:10:04.588 --> 00:10:09.757 and preserve this trend. 99 00:10:09.757 --> 00:10:16.484 Our Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council are 100 00:10:16.484 --> 00:10:19.955 working on this. 101 00:10:19.955 --> 00:10:28.521 I note the consistently high reciprocal interest of our 102 00:10:28.521 --> 00:10:37.241 countries’ business communities. 103 00:10:37.241 --> 00:10:47.037 Investment cooperation continues to develop. 104 00:10:47.037 --> 00:11:06.537 Russia’s direct investment in Finland came close to $3 billion in 2016, 105 00:11:06.537 --> 00:11:14.167 and Finland’s investment in Russia came to nearly $4 billion, 106 00:11:14.167 --> 00:11:20.826 even more if investment made via Finnish companies’ 107 00:11:20.826 --> 00:11:29.112 subsidiaries in other countries is counted. 108 00:11:29.112 --> 00:11:34.866 We are carrying out a number of big projects, 109 00:11:34.866 --> 00:11:43.134 particularly in the energy sector. 110 00:11:43.134 --> 00:11:51.901 They include the Hanhikivi 1 nuclear power station. 111 00:11:51.901 --> 00:12:00.351 Preparatory work is fully underway at the site, 112 00:12:00.351 --> 00:12:08.265 equipment is being delivered, and the first tranche of our loan, 113 00:12:08.265 --> 00:12:19.512 about one billion euros, has been transferred. 114 00:12:19.512 --> 00:12:29.301 Let me remind you that the total amount of financing is 115 00:12:29.301 --> 00:12:39.426 five billion euros. Half of this will be financed from Russian 116 00:12:39.426 --> 00:12:50.116 government resources and half by Rosatom. 117 00:12:50.116 --> 00:12:59.035 We are also working on renewable energy sources. 118 00:12:59.035 --> 00:13:06.094 The company Fortum, for example, 119 00:13:06.094 --> 00:13:18.482 and our Rusnano are establishing a fund with more than $500 120 00:13:18.482 --> 00:13:27.743 million to develop wind energy. 121 00:13:27.743 --> 00:13:35.938 Companies such as Valio and Nokian Tyres continue 122 00:13:35.938 --> 00:13:44.921 to develop their business activities. 123 00:13:44.921 --> 00:13:53.581 Our company Biokad plans to organise production of chemical 124 00:13:53.581 --> 00:14:01.212 and biological products in Turku. 125 00:14:01.212 --> 00:14:09.625 Yandex is launching a data storage centre in Finland’s Uusimaa region, 126 00:14:09.625 --> 00:14:18.509 and there are other interesting projects too. 127 00:14:18.509 --> 00:14:26.700 During the talks we noted the efficient work of the environmental 128 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:33.191 agencies of both countries. 129 00:14:33.191 --> 00:14:41.615 Mr Niinisto has already mentioned our joint work on hazardous waste 130 00:14:41.615 --> 00:14:52.578 at the Krasny Bor dump site near St Petersburg. 131 00:14:52.578 --> 00:15:01.067 We have just started this work. 132 00:15:01.067 --> 00:15:10.852 The renovation of Kaliningrad’s water supply system has been completed. 133 00:15:10.852 --> 00:15:19.223 This is a very serious, large step in ensuring environmental safety 134 00:15:19.223 --> 00:15:26.356 in the Baltic area in general. 135 00:15:26.356 --> 00:15:32.721 We intend to continue expanding our bilateral cooperation 136 00:15:32.721 --> 00:15:36.763 in environmental protection. 137 00:15:36.763 --> 00:15:44.134 We highly value that our Finnish partners strive to conduct 138 00:15:44.134 --> 00:15:52.780 an independent and balanced foreign policy and consider it to be 139 00:15:52.780 --> 00:16:03.591 a major factor of stability in the north of Europe. 140 00:16:03.591 --> 00:16:13.294 Naturally, we are ready to continue dialogue with Finland and all 141 00:16:13.294 --> 00:16:23.640 interested states on enhancing security in the region. 142 00:16:23.640 --> 00:16:34.178 We still have to discuss the settlement process in Syria. 143 00:16:34.178 --> 00:16:45.978 I promised to inform my colleague in detail about it but right now 144 00:16:45.978 --> 00:16:54.606 I can say that in our view the main task is to stop the bloodshed once 145 00:16:54.606 --> 00:17:02.619 and for all and ensure the necessary conditions 146 00:17:02.619 --> 00:17:10.307 for a peaceful political settlement. 147 00:17:10.307 --> 00:17:15.541 Then the Syrians should decide, 148 00:17:15.541 --> 00:17:24.296 in a broad-based dialogue under the aegis of the UN and on the basis 149 00:17:24.296 --> 00:17:32.390 of Security Council Resolution 2254, 150 00:17:32.390 --> 00:17:41.438 what kind of country they want to live in. 151 00:17:41.438 --> 00:17:48.658 I shared with the President the particulars of developments 152 00:17:48.658 --> 00:17:56.291 related to Ukraine’s domestic crisis. 153 00:17:56.291 --> 00:18:04.577 We continued our exchange of views on the issues I discussed with Mr 154 00:18:04.577 --> 00:18:12.782 Niinisto at the Arctic: Territory of Dialogue forum 155 00:18:12.782 --> 00:18:19.284 in Arkhangelsk on March 30. 156 00:18:19.284 --> 00:18:27.302 We agreed to build up our cooperation in the region, in particular, 157 00:18:27.302 --> 00:18:37.144 considering Finland’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council. 158 00:18:37.144 --> 00:18:44.613 I listened with interest to the President’s ideas on potential 159 00:18:44.613 --> 00:18:57.867 ecological cooperation in the Arctic. 160 00:18:57.867 --> 00:19:04.752 Needless to say, we can certainly do much in this area if 161 00:19:04.752 --> 00:19:12.183 we combine our efforts. 162 00:19:12.183 --> 00:19:19.893 I would like to thank our hosts for their hospitality 163 00:19:19.893 --> 00:19:25.876 and cordial reception. 164 00:19:25.876 --> 00:19:33.661 I would also like to thank Finnish citizens who met us on our way 165 00:19:33.661 --> 00:19:49.336 to this hotel for their friendly and warm attitude. 166 00:19:49.336 --> 00:19:57.222 They greeted me with friendly waves. 167 00:19:57.222 --> 00:20:13.315 I cannot wave back to each of them but I want to say hello 168 00:20:13.315 --> 00:20:26.028 to them through the Finnish media. 169 00:20:26.028 --> 00:20:34.216 170 00:20:34.216 --> 00:20:42.261 My question concerns the military exercises conducted jointly by China and Russia in the Baltic Sea. 171 00:20:42.261 --> 00:20:49.248 I would like to ask President Putin: What message are China and Russia 172 00:20:49.248 --> 00:20:52.541 sending to others, what message do they want to send to other countries 173 00:20:52.541 --> 00:20:54.993 located in the Baltic Sea region? 174 00:20:54.993 --> 00:20:57.879 My second question is for President Niinisto: What does Finland think 175 00:20:57.879 --> 00:21:00.394 about this? What thoughts come to mind? 176 00:21:00.394 --> 00:21:10.102 With regard to Russia-China interaction, 177 00:21:10.102 --> 00:21:19.265 it is a full-scale and very broad strategic partnership that includes 178 00:21:19.265 --> 00:21:30.627 economy, politics, military-technical cooperation, 179 00:21:30.807 --> 00:21:40.067 and purely military affairs. 180 00:21:41.387 --> 00:21:49.174 We have been regularly conducting military exercises for many years 181 00:21:49.174 --> 00:21:55.014 now, and participating in what is called war games 182 00:21:55.014 --> 00:22:01.519 and contests for many years now. 183 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:08.547 To reiterate, we do so both on land and at sea. 184 00:22:11.367 --> 00:22:19.110 The cooperation of Russia and the People's Republic of China in its 185 00:22:19.110 --> 00:22:24.005 entirety, including the military component, 186 00:22:24.005 --> 00:22:31.064 is a critical element of international security and stability. 187 00:22:35.464 --> 00:22:40.570 It is not directed against any third country. 188 00:22:45.610 --> 00:22:52.051 We are not creating military blocs or military alliances. 189 00:22:55.151 --> 00:23:05.053 In this case, our militaries are simply honing their skills, 190 00:23:05.193 --> 00:23:11.895 interacting, and this again sets a good example for cooperation in any 191 00:23:11.975 --> 00:23:19.762 region of the world, including the Baltics. 192 00:23:33.222 --> 00:23:40.879 We respect the neutral status of certain states of the Baltic region. 193 00:23:49.099 --> 00:23:55.161 However, we are ready for any form of interaction with 194 00:23:55.161 --> 00:24:01.956 the neutral states as well. 195 00:24:06.175 --> 00:24:12.315 We decided to revive the Main Naval Parade, 196 00:24:13.055 --> 00:24:18.693 which will be held in St Petersburg soon. 197 00:24:28.893 --> 00:24:34.624 Make no mistake, it is not about brandishing arms, 198 00:24:34.804 --> 00:24:40.645 but reviving traditions that are more than 100 years old. 199 00:24:55.085 --> 00:25:00.270 In fact, such a parade was held earlier, 200 00:25:00.490 --> 00:25:07.429 perhaps on a slightly smaller scale, 201 00:25:07.769 --> 00:25:16.498 on Russian Navy Day. We invite everyone to come to St Petersburg 202 00:25:17.058 --> 00:25:27.362 and enjoy the show. We are ready to invite our partners and countries 203 00:25:27.362 --> 00:25:37.730 of the region to participate in this event, 204 00:25:37.730 --> 00:25:48.328 and are ready to make it happen as a collaborative effort. Thank you. 205 00:26:00.868 --> 00:26:07.603 As far as I understand, and as President Putin mentioned, indeed, 206 00:26:07.603 --> 00:26:14.234 this is not the first time such exercises are conducted jointly 207 00:26:14.234 --> 00:26:17.964 by Chinese and Russian naval forces, 208 00:26:17.964 --> 00:26:22.005 or joint military exercises in general. 209 00:26:37.965 --> 00:26:49.377 The Chinese Navy was also in the Mediterranean, 210 00:26:49.397 --> 00:26:54.869 and now they are here in the Baltic Sea. 211 00:26:54.869 --> 00:27:01.748 Also, as far as I understand, in order to maintain combat readiness 212 00:27:01.748 --> 00:27:07.615 and military skills, it is important to conduct exercises 213 00:27:07.615 --> 00:27:09.840 in various conditions. 214 00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:17.912 Conducting these exercises here in the Baltic Sea does not imply that 215 00:27:17.912 --> 00:27:24.344 they are intended precisely for these conditions, 216 00:27:24.344 --> 00:27:32.948 it is just that it is important to conduct such exercises 217 00:27:33.108 --> 00:27:40.923 in variety of conditions. 218 00:27:45.403 --> 00:27:50.499 Importantly, Finland also conducts such exercises, 219 00:27:50.499 --> 00:27:55.902 and takes part in the exercises that take place here 220 00:27:55.902 --> 00:27:59.246 in the Baltic region. 221 00:27:59.246 --> 00:28:05.110 We will be taking part in major exercises named Aurora off 222 00:28:05.110 --> 00:28:13.851 the coast of Sweden. Of course, 223 00:28:14.251 --> 00:28:19.854 the Swedish forces will be the main participant, but other states, 224 00:28:20.294 --> 00:28:28.764 including the United States, will also take part. 225 00:28:31.164 --> 00:28:38.129 The purpose of the Aurora exercises is also not about brandishing arms 226 00:28:38.129 --> 00:28:44.919 or forming any blocs against someone, 227 00:28:45.119 --> 00:28:50.733 either. But as long as we live in a world with armies and military 228 00:28:50.933 --> 00:28:59.421 forces, we must bear in mind that such exercises will be 229 00:28:59.421 --> 00:29:08.189 conducted no matter what. 230 00:29:31.029 --> 00:29:35.866 A question for both presidents. 231 00:29:36.046 --> 00:29:41.306 At present we are noticing modest but positive dynamics 232 00:29:41.306 --> 00:29:44.875 in the development of bilateral trade, 233 00:29:44.875 --> 00:29:47.881 as noted at the news conference. 234 00:29:47.881 --> 00:29:51.109 At the same time it is difficult not to see that new and quite serious 235 00:29:51.109 --> 00:29:54.648 political risks are being added to the continuing economic risks. 236 00:29:54.868 --> 00:29:58.110 This, in turn, is exerting pressure on economic factors. 237 00:29:58.390 --> 00:30:00.941 Do you have apprehensions that the modest positive dynamics are 238 00:30:01.141 --> 00:30:03.805 threatened by the current situation in the world? 239 00:30:04.065 --> 00:30:11.092 We live in a complicated, contradictory and very fragile world. 240 00:30:11.372 --> 00:30:17.677 The task of the people who do the work we were called upon to do is 241 00:30:18.137 --> 00:30:23.265 to avoid these risks, curb and minimise them, 242 00:30:23.465 --> 00:30:29.875 and to work on areas and ways of cooperation that would lead us 243 00:30:29.875 --> 00:30:34.625 to development, to the consolidation of international relations, 244 00:30:34.625 --> 00:30:38.506 the economy and improved living standards for our citizens. 245 00:30:38.506 --> 00:30:41.552 This is what our meeting today was about. 246 00:30:41.772 --> 00:30:44.461 As for the future, we will have to wait and see. 247 00:30:44.501 --> 00:30:46.276 We will respond to emerging problems. 248 00:30:46.356 --> 00:30:50.797 Yes, indeed, it is just as you said. 249 00:30:50.797 --> 00:30:59.366 There are risks and threatening factors in this world, 250 00:30:59.366 --> 00:31:07.770 for instance climate change. 251 00:31:07.770 --> 00:31:16.410 We discussed this issue when we reviewed our agenda in the context 252 00:31:16.470 --> 00:31:24.680 of our chairmanship of the Arctic Council. 253 00:31:24.800 --> 00:31:38.889 In addition, we have rampant migration and these flows are probably 254 00:31:38.889 --> 00:31:49.047 partially determined by the first factor mentioned – climate change – 255 00:31:49.047 --> 00:31:58.581 and may grow in the future as a result. 256 00:31:58.581 --> 00:32:12.738 And, thirdly, there are wars – armed clashes and conflicts that are 257 00:32:12.738 --> 00:32:23.728 heating up in many places in this world. 258 00:32:23.728 --> 00:32:39.588 We need an open spirit of global cooperation on all of these issues. 259 00:32:39.588 --> 00:32:48.151 I believe in dialogue, and I believe it is possible to find 260 00:32:48.151 --> 00:32:53.697 solutions via dialogue. 261 00:33:01.597 --> 00:33:16.175 First, I have a question for President Putin. 262 00:33:16.175 --> 00:33:20.761 President Putin, with these US congressional investigations – 263 00:33:20.761 --> 00:33:23.455 and they are thoroughly underway – 264 00:33:23.455 --> 00:33:27.800 into allegations of Russian meddling in the US election, 265 00:33:27.800 --> 00:33:31.926 and with the possibility of US sanctions being tightened shortly, 266 00:33:31.926 --> 00:33:36.383 do you sometimes sit in your office in the Kremlin thinking about how 267 00:33:36.383 --> 00:33:41.388 badly US-Russian relations are going and regretting the day 268 00:33:41.388 --> 00:33:45.023 that Donald Trump was elected? 269 00:34:31.083 --> 00:34:35.656 First, as for the election of the President of the United States, 270 00:34:35.656 --> 00:34:40.520 this is not our business, and it is not up to us to assess Mr Trump’s 271 00:34:40.520 --> 00:34:44.502 performance in his very high office. 272 00:34:44.502 --> 00:34:48.606 This is up to the American people. And the second point. 273 00:34:48.606 --> 00:34:52.839 As regards the investigations you have mentioned, 274 00:34:52.839 --> 00:34:56.121 I do not think it is an investigation, 275 00:34:56.121 --> 00:34:59.974 because an investigation would imply considering all the circumstances, 276 00:34:59.974 --> 00:35:03.272 examining the causes and hearing from different parties. 277 00:35:03.272 --> 00:35:08.405 What we are seeing is merely growing anti-Russian hysteria. 278 00:35:08.405 --> 00:35:14.408 Most likely, Russophobic tools are being used for domestic political 279 00:35:14.408 --> 00:35:17.103 purposes, in this case the fight between President Trump and his 280 00:35:17.103 --> 00:35:19.751 political opponents in the United States. 281 00:35:19.751 --> 00:35:23.750 It is a great pity that Russian-US relations are sacrificed 282 00:35:23.750 --> 00:35:29.530 in the course of resolving internal US political issues. 283 00:35:29.530 --> 00:35:34.586 Answering your question on whether I regret the worsening of Russian-US 284 00:35:34.586 --> 00:35:38.895 relations, I can answer directly: of course we regret this. 285 00:35:38.895 --> 00:35:42.499 It is a shame, because if we worked together, 286 00:35:42.499 --> 00:35:46.645 we could resolve the pressing issues that concern both Russia 287 00:35:46.645 --> 00:35:50.154 and the United States much more efficiently. 288 00:35:50.154 --> 00:35:53.974 I am speaking of solving acute international crises, 289 00:35:53.974 --> 00:35:57.518 tackling terrorism, nature conservation, 290 00:35:57.518 --> 00:36:01.503 resolving environmental problems, handling illegal migration, 291 00:36:01.503 --> 00:36:04.614 fighting organised crime and so on, 292 00:36:04.614 --> 00:36:07.655 and contributing to economic development ultimately. 293 00:36:07.655 --> 00:36:10.910 But we know we have many friends in the United States, 294 00:36:10.910 --> 00:36:13.919 and there are many sober-minded people. 295 00:36:13.919 --> 00:36:18.838 I hope that someday the current state of affairs will come to an end 296 00:36:18.838 --> 00:36:23.545 and we will move on to a qualitatively different kind of relationship, 297 00:36:23.545 --> 00:36:27.292 which we will strengthen and boost in the interests of the people 298 00:36:27.292 --> 00:36:30.639 of the United States and the Russian Federation. 299 00:36:34.019 --> 00:36:38.973 Yes, we also have a question for the Finnish President. 300 00:36:38.973 --> 00:36:43.698 It seems that Finland has to balance between Russia and its US allies, 301 00:36:43.698 --> 00:36:47.410 but now a certain split is emerging in the United States. 302 00:36:47.410 --> 00:36:52.201 Do you think anti-Russian sanctions should be toughened or do you share 303 00:36:52.201 --> 00:36:56.632 the opinion of President Trump and his desire to improve 304 00:36:56.632 --> 00:37:00.179 relations with Russia? 305 00:37:04.119 --> 00:37:10.333 (In English.) As for balance, I just want to remind you that at this 306 00:37:10.333 --> 00:37:16.366 event, an American TV company asked double the questions as others. 307 00:37:31.886 --> 00:37:37.861 (Retranslated.) Yes, Finland is building relations with neighbouring 308 00:37:37.861 --> 00:37:42.710 countries. We have good, balanced relations with Russia. 309 00:37:42.710 --> 00:37:46.899 Finland is also building relations with other countries, 310 00:37:46.899 --> 00:37:48.801 the EU, and the United States. 311 00:37:48.801 --> 00:37:52.995 This is not about Finland balancing between these powers; 312 00:37:52.995 --> 00:37:58.145 this is about a process, an approach that should be used in other parts 313 00:37:58.145 --> 00:38:02.539 of the world as well. 314 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:07.483 The point is that we are trying to understand each other. 315 00:38:07.483 --> 00:38:11.387 As regards maintaining relations with Russia, 316 00:38:11.387 --> 00:38:17.632 I would like to cite the discussions that took place at the NATO summit 317 00:38:17.632 --> 00:38:22.320 in Warsaw last summer. 318 00:38:23.000 --> 00:38:28.494 Its participants spoke of the necessity and urgency of dialogue, 319 00:38:28.494 --> 00:38:34.075 and as far as I can tell, Chancellor Angela Merkel and President 320 00:38:34.075 --> 00:38:38.196 Emmanuel Macron are making such efforts as well, 321 00:38:38.196 --> 00:38:40.772 and I think this is very good. 322 00:38:41.792 --> 00:38:45.104 Good afternoon, my name is Pavel Zarubin, 323 00:38:45.104 --> 00:38:49.548 Rossiya TV channel. I have a question for both leaders. 324 00:38:49.548 --> 00:38:53.859 I would like to continue with the high-profile issue of the new US bill 325 00:38:53.859 --> 00:38:56.529 on toughening anti-Russian sanctions. 326 00:38:56.529 --> 00:39:01.188 Naturally, this issue is high-profile also because in the last few days 327 00:39:01.188 --> 00:39:05.087 and weeks we have been hearing very tough criticism of this bill from 328 00:39:05.087 --> 00:39:08.476 many key European politicians and European agencies. 329 00:39:08.476 --> 00:39:12.424 After all, what is happening is that the United States wants to apply 330 00:39:12.424 --> 00:39:16.082 its laws to the territories of other countries, EU countries, 331 00:39:16.082 --> 00:39:19.199 and to make its bill transnational. 332 00:39:19.199 --> 00:39:23.173 Have you discussed this issue? What is your attitude to it? After all, 333 00:39:23.173 --> 00:39:26.829 as far as I understand, the independence and economic security 334 00:39:26.829 --> 00:39:30.627 interests of other countries are at stake. 335 00:39:30.627 --> 00:39:34.370 And I have a question for the President of Russia. 336 00:39:34.370 --> 00:39:38.999 If this bill is adopted, what will be Russia’s response? What will it 337 00:39:38.999 --> 00:39:42.141 be like? Are any Russian-US contacts possible on this matter? 338 00:39:42.281 --> 00:39:44.748 For instance, a telephone conversation with the US President. Thank you. 339 00:39:44.968 --> 00:39:48.993 As for the transnational character of US legislation, 340 00:39:48.993 --> 00:39:53.473 I have been talking about this for a long time, since 2007 341 00:39:53.473 --> 00:39:57.058 (I think I spoke in Munich about this). 342 00:39:57.058 --> 00:40:00.332 It is exactly as I said. 343 00:40:00.412 --> 00:40:03.326 This practice is unacceptable – 344 00:40:03.326 --> 00:40:07.349 it is destroying international relations and international law. 345 00:40:07.349 --> 00:40:11.414 We have never accepted it and will not accept it. 346 00:40:11.414 --> 00:40:15.330 As for the reaction of other states of the world, 347 00:40:15.330 --> 00:40:18.531 it depends on the extent of their sovereignty and readiness 348 00:40:18.531 --> 00:40:21.632 to defend their own national interests. 349 00:40:21.632 --> 00:40:24.221 If the same happens in this case, 350 00:40:24.221 --> 00:40:28.851 it will cause particular regret because these actions will 351 00:40:28.851 --> 00:40:31.288 have aggravating factors. 352 00:40:31.288 --> 00:40:35.941 I would call them particularly cynical because they amount 353 00:40:35.941 --> 00:40:40.625 to an obvious attempt to use one’s geopolitical advantages 354 00:40:40.625 --> 00:40:45.315 in the competitive struggle in order to protect one’s economic 355 00:40:45.315 --> 00:40:49.277 interests at the expense of one’s allies, as in this case. 356 00:40:49.277 --> 00:40:52.875 We have not seen the final version yet and we do not have 357 00:40:52.875 --> 00:40:55.481 a final opinion on this matter. 358 00:40:55.481 --> 00:40:58.916 But we see that for a long period of time, 359 00:40:58.916 --> 00:41:02.045 there have been ongoing attempts to provoke us – 360 00:41:02.045 --> 00:41:06.560 many Russian diplomats were expelled with no explanation of the reason 361 00:41:06.560 --> 00:41:09.342 and diplomatic property was seized, 362 00:41:09.342 --> 00:41:14.350 which is beyond comprehension as it violates fundamental norms 363 00:41:14.350 --> 00:41:18.174 of international law regarding diplomatic relations. 364 00:41:18.174 --> 00:41:23.504 The sanctions are absolutely illegal from the perspective 365 00:41:23.504 --> 00:41:28.651 of international law and they violate the principles of international 366 00:41:28.651 --> 00:41:32.168 trade and World Trade Organisation rules. 367 00:41:32.168 --> 00:41:36.378 As you know, we are being very restrained and patient, 368 00:41:36.378 --> 00:41:39.674 but at some point we will have to respond. 369 00:41:39.674 --> 00:41:44.236 We cannot tolerate this loutish behaviour towards our country forever. 370 00:41:44.236 --> 00:41:49.973 But how we respond will depend on the final version of the bill that is 371 00:41:49.973 --> 00:41:54.494 being debated in the US Senate. 372 00:41:54.494 --> 00:42:01.351 In any case, we believe that whatever happens in the immediate future, 373 00:42:01.351 --> 00:42:06.752 in the long term we will certainly reach some strategic level 374 00:42:06.812 --> 00:42:08.954 of cooperation and agreement. 375 00:42:09.074 --> 00:42:11.667 I hope that ultimately this is what will happen. 376 00:42:11.867 --> 00:42:17.542 I do not quite agree with you with respect to imposing 377 00:42:17.542 --> 00:42:21.255 sanctions and observing laws. 378 00:42:21.255 --> 00:42:29.195 Probably, the rationale behind this is that there are certain 379 00:42:29.195 --> 00:42:37.518 assertions and concerns regarding the process of the US election. 380 00:42:37.518 --> 00:42:42.256 And, as you have rightly pointed out, 381 00:42:42.256 --> 00:42:46.527 a very heated debate on this matter has begun in the EU. 382 00:42:46.527 --> 00:42:52.198 For instance, the President of the European Commission, Mr Juncker, 383 00:42:52.198 --> 00:42:55.578 mentioned this and posed this question. 384 00:42:55.578 --> 00:42:59.906 This issue is difficult and sensitive for the EU, 385 00:42:59.906 --> 00:43:06.361 and it is necessary to start the discussions between the EU 386 00:43:06.361 --> 00:43:13.341 and the United States as the proposed sanctions will have a direct 387 00:43:13.341 --> 00:43:18.426 impact not just on Russia but on other countries as well. 388 00:43:18.426 --> 00:43:25.358 This is why the EU is intensifying efforts on this matter. 389 00:43:25.358 --> 00:43:32.807 I support Mr Putin in saying that we should try to better understand 390 00:43:32.807 --> 00:43:41.979 each other in the world, and I believe this would be 391 00:43:41.979 --> 00:43:46.429 in everyone's interests. 392 00:43:47.389 --> 00:43:50.459 Thank you.