I am pleased to have an opportunity to address the readers of this influential publication. You have before you a special issue dedicated entirely to Russia. I believe this is a clear demonstration of the growing interest of British political and business circles in our country.
Great Britain has always occupied one of the key places in the system of foreign policy priorities of the Russian Federation. In recent years, relations between our states have reached a qualitatively new level. These changes have been felt in virtually all spheres of Russian-British cooperation.
For example, our close interaction in solving such complex issues as struggle against international terrorism and settlement of the crisis around Afghanistan became a convincing proof of the effectiveness and significance of our joint work.
The considerable potential of our bilateral trade, economic and humanitarian contacts is being successfully realized. The development of business ties between our nations contributes to the rapid growth of bilateral trade, increased British investments in our country's economy and expanded involvement of British companies in Russia, particularly oil and gas businesses.
There also emerged a new trend – major Russian corporations began investing in the British economy.
There are favourable investment and innovation prospects, mainly in the fuel and energy sector, as well as in science-intensive technologies.
The sixth session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Investments, the world's biggest annual Russian Economic Forum, and the multipurpose exhibition ”300 years of St Petersburg: Russia Open to the World“ were successfully held in London last year.
I am convinced that the development of British- Russian ties will promote friendship and trust between our nations and a more dynamic evolution of pan-European integration processes.
With best wishes,
Vladimir Putin