“I would like to greet the organisers, delegates and guests of the conference ‘Russia 2000: A New Reality’.
“The conference’s name aptly reflects the essence of the changes taking place in our country. Russia’s new political image, as well as that of its legislative and executive branches, creates a unique opportunity for consolidating Russian society and firmly asserting the values of democracy and progress. We aspire to sustainable and balanced economic development, ensuring the genuine freedom of business and enhancing social guarantees. Russia will not deviate from its policy of wide-ranging international cooperation, along with worthy and organic integration into the global economy.
“The creation of a more favourable investment climate for Russian and foreign business, as well as stable and common rules of fair and honest competition for all, will be a top priority for the new Russian government.
“We appreciate the current scale of our economic cooperation with the United Kingdom, which is one of Russia’s main trade and investment partners, and intend to elevate such cooperation to a new and higher level through joint efforts. These serious plans are being backed by two summits, in St Petersburg and London, highlighting the political will of both countries’ leaders to expand Russian-British business ties.
“British Prime Minister Tony Blair and I have agreed to closely analyse the conference’s possible recommendations and to use them during our practical work in the interests of further expanding Russian-British trade and economic ties. I am convinced that the conference will help strengthen trust between the Russian and British business communities and will facilitate the development of existing projects and the appearance of new long-term joint projects. Mutual interests, pragmatism and responsibility will turn new opportunities into a new and more perfect reality of partnership.
“I wish the conference’s delegates and guests every success, health and happiness.”
Vladimir PUTIN