Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich has headed the Russian delegation at the 14th Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on China’s Hainan Island. Speaking at the opening ceremony, he said that the forum has become one of the main platforms for discussing the development of the Asia-Pacific Region. This year it was attended by Premier of China’s State Council Li Keqiang, Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Chung Hongwon, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Laos Thongsing Thammavong, Prime Minister of East Timor Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Namibia Hage Geingob and BFA Chairman Yasuo Fukuda.
Dvorkovich called the Eastern vector a well-considered political line for Russia: “It is in Asia that the foundation of political and economic stability is being laid.” He pointed out that Russia is developing its Far East. “This is a giant project of the 21st century and we invite everyone to take part in it,” Mr Dvorkovich said. He emphasised that Russia may help develop the Asia-Pacific Region, being a major energy producer and a reliable energy supplier. He added that Russia is focusing priority attention on ensuring energy security and stable energy supplies, and increasing the share of ecologically pure fossil fuel, particularly natural gas. Mr Dvorkovich said Russia has lately carried out a number of projects that are important for the region. It has been developing deposits in Sakhalin, building nuclear power stations, increasing exports of oil and liquefied natural gas and carrying out coal projects.
Mr Dvorkovich said that Russia’s policy in this area is multi-vector, and mentioned the Russian-Iraqi oil project in the West Qurna-2 deposit. He expressed Russia’s readiness to cooperate in other spheres, such as food security, the development of transport corridors (on the ground and at sea) and others.
Mr Dvorkovich took part in the session “Russia-China: Dialogue on Energy and Finance”, which was attended by business people representing companies of both countries. He also met with member of China’s State Council Yang Jiechi to discuss bilateral cooperation in different spheres.
The opening ceremony of a photo exhibition by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev took place at the forum. In his address, Mr Dvorkovich pointed out that for Russia, China is a strategic partner in the most diverse areas: “This exhibition shows that we are also developing humanitarian contacts in addition to political and economic relations. It demonstrates what trustworthy, friendly relations have taken shape between Russia and China.”
Mr Jiechi, who also attended the ceremony, thanked Mr Dvorkovich for this event. The exhibition displayed 19 photos made by Medvedev in Russia and abroad, including during his visit to China in October 2013. The exhibition will continue for the entire year in different Chinese cities. Mr Dvorkovich also met with the business community of the Asia-Pacific Region.
