HAMBURG – Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for the development of Russia’s relations with the European Commission, despite the existing issues.
“We hope contacts with the European Commission will continue and develop. You know, there are directions, such as cooperation between the European Commission and the Eurasian Economic Union,” Putin said at a meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on the sidelines of the G20 in Hamburg.
Russia will look for opportunities to expand contacts in this direction, Putin said.
“We maintain contact, despite the existing issues,” he said.
The Russian president recalled that he had had “useful negotiations” with Juncker at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2016.
“(High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,) Ms. (Federica) Mogherini visited Moscow in April, her next meeting with our foreign minister is scheduled in Brussels for July 11,” Putin said.
Juncker, for his part, also said that the European Commission seeks a dialogue with Russia.
Europe is well aware what it seeks, he said. The issues existing between the Russian Federation and the European Union are known, those are Crimea and eastern Ukraine, he said. But the European Commission is willing to continue working to look for opportunities of cooperation and points of mutual interests, he said.
Such opportunities were outlined during negotiations in St. Peterburg in 2016, he said.
Juncker said he believes the parties should continue it further.
