Dmitry Medvedev’s conversation with Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek; attending signing ceremony; joint news conference.
Conversation with Slovenia’s Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek
Joint press conference with Slovenia’s Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek
Transcript of the meeting’s beginning:
Dmitry Medvedev: Madam Prime Minister, welcome! I am happy to have this opportunity to meet you and to discuss prospects for Russian-Slovenian relations, which are developing quite well and steadily. Despite all the global economic problems, trade cooperation between our countries continues to grow, and this is a good sign in itself. I am talking about trade and investment cooperation, although there is always room for perfection. I hope that today we will discuss new projects and new venues for expanded cooperation between our countries. A number of important documents will be signed, and I hope that they will also serve to promote our cooperation. Therefore, I would like to welcome you once again and wish you success during your visit to Russia, all the more so as this is your first visit as Prime Minister.
Dmitry Medvedev: "Russian-Slovenian relations, which are developing quite well and steadily. Despite all the global economic problems, trade cooperation between our countries continues to grow, and this is a good sign in itself."
Alenka Bratušek (via interpreter): Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. I agree with you that our relations are indeed very good, but, as you have said, there is always room for improvement. We have come to this meeting right after an investment conference, where we wanted to show our Russian friends and partners that Slovenia is a country worth investing in. I would like to thank Minister Nikiforov, who participated in this conference.
We have also several other proposals on specific projects. I hope and believe that we will discuss this issue today.
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Following Dmitry Medvedev’s talks with Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek, several Russian-Slovenian agreements were signed at a ceremony attended by the two heads of government.
A list of signed documents:
– Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on Defence Cooperation;
– Agreement between the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation and the Interior Ministry of the Republic of Slovenia on Cooperation in Countering Illegal Trafficking of Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors;
– Memorandum between the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Slovenia on Cooperation in Promoting Physical Fitness and Sports;
– Programme of Joint Projects in Tourism in 2014-2015 between the Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation and the State Agency of the Republic of Slovenia on Promoting Entrepreneurship, Innovations, Development, Investment and Tourism;
– Memorandum on Cooperation between the Government of the Yaroslavl Region and the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia.
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Dmitry Medvedev: Ladies and gentlemen, we have completed the talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Alenka Bratušek. The exchange of views has confirmed that our cooperation is based on trust and we have ensured the required continuity in our relations. I’m glad to say that our relations are on the upsurge. Our trade and economic cooperation is growing despite economic difficulties.
We have tasks to address in the future. Our investment potential is far from exhausted. Slovenia and especially Russia can considerably increase their investment.
Dmitry Medvedev: "Our trade and economic cooperation is growing despite economic difficulties."
Another issue is related to improving the bilateral trade structure. This should be achieved through the Programme on Expanding Bilateral Economic Cooperation, particularly in information technology and pharmaceutics, and through attracting investment.
Energy of course, is also a major area of cooperation. In this regard, we discussed the construction of the South Stream pipeline through Slovenia, which is a strategically important project.
We hope that the work on South Stream will proceed on schedule, and we appreciate that the Slovenian government has been very supportive of the project.
We’ve signed five documents today, including a document on an important area for both countries, tourism. We expect that all of our plans in this area will be implemented. The cooperation potential in tourism is quite high, and hopefully, the number of tourists visiting both countries will grow along with increased investment activity.
One important aspect of our relations is military-technical cooperation (a document on cooperation in this area has been signed today). Other subjects have been also discussed, including regional cooperation. During our conversation today over breakfast, we noted that some Russian regions have been actively seeking to establish cooperative relations with Slovenia. In fact, a cooperation agreement was signed today between the Yaroslavl Region and Slovenia.
We also discussed cultural cooperation and ties between our countries, both in the closed and expanded format talks. I believe that we have a very good historical base from which we can develop these relations. Both countries are interested in building these relations, especially considering that a number of significant anniversaries are approaching, including 100 years since the beginning of World War I, the date uniting our countries –2016, which has a special significance for the history of our relations (we have agreed on activities to mark it), and the 70th anniversary of Victory in World War II. I believe that the celebration of these historically significant events should play its role in our cultural ties and the overall relations between our two countries.
Thank you and I’m giving the floor to my colleague.
Alenka Bratušek (via interpreter): Thank you very much Mr Prime Minister. It’s difficult to add anything after our extensive conversation today.
I would first like to thank you once again for the warm and friendly welcome I have received in Russia. I agree that the cooperation between our two countries is at a very high level, which is evidenced by the results of recent years. These results also demonstrate that there is still a lot of potential in those areas that we have discussed today.
According to the data that we have, there are a lot more Slovenian investments in Russia than Russian investments in Slovenia. This means that there are plenty of areas for developing investment cooperation. Today, many businesses took part in our conference, which indicates their interest in this regard.
Alenka Bratušek: "I am pleased that annually many representatives of the Russian side take part in memorial ceremonies at the Russian chapel in Vršič. This is a key moment in our relations. I hope that we celebrate the 100th anniversary together with Russia at the highest level."
As you know, we signed five documents, agreements and memoranda today. I would like them to be implemented and I hope that they will yield concrete results. I am pleased that annually many representatives of the Russian side take part in memorial ceremonies at the Russian chapel in Vršič. This is a key moment in our relations. I hope that we celebrate the 100th anniversary together with Russia at the highest level.
Today, Russia’s major project is the Sochi Olympics and I am glad that Slovenian specialists are also involved.
Mr Prime Minister told me that he had sad impressions of Slovenia after he visited a football match and Russia lost. As a result, I invited him to come back because I wanted to show him the very best of Slovenia.
Dmitry Medvedev: Hvala (Thank You in Slovenian). Thank you. But not for a football match.
Question: I have a question for both Prime Ministers. You mentioned the prospects for expanded bilateral trade and trade turnover, but aren’t you afraid that the global crisis will change these optimistic plans?
Dmitry Medvedev: We are not too worried, judging by the actual data. Russia’s trade turnover with some European countries has decreased because the entire European economy has been on the verge of recession. But we are posting an increase with Slovenia, and we posted this growth last year and in 2013 too. By the way, I’d like to note that (and maybe this is partially related to certain disproportions, but nevertheless) this growth is not achieved through increasingly greater fuel and energy distribution. We are showing growth in ambitious, modern high-tech projects. And incidentally, the tourist industry is growing, which means that, instead of shrinking, this market continues to expand. For obvious reasons, it’s primarily being directed to Slovenia, but the number of tourists has soared by 30% and even more this year compared to the past period. On the whole, this means that the potential has not been depleted.
Alenka Bratušek: We are not too concerned that this crisis has exerted its influence, and that it presents a big obstacle. Our cooperation continues to develop with every passing year, and generally I see no reason that this should not continue in the future. Although Slovenia has so far failed to overcome this crisis, I would like to say that the situation in Slovenia continues to improve each month. I want to stress that our indicators show that no production or economic slump was posted in the third quarter versus the second quarter, and this inspires us.
Question: Mr Medvedev, you have said that the South Stream pipeline ranks among the most ambitious projects (for Slovenia, rather than Russia. This is worth about one billion euros, which is quite a lot for Slovenia.) Of course, you know that the European Union recently stated that the agreements signed between Slovenia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and the Russian Federation, violate EU legislation. I would like to ask you: what implications does this have for the project? How it will be implemented now? Who will now negotiate with whom? Will Moscow negotiate with Brussels, or will these negotiations be held in a Moscow–Ljubljana–Belgrade format? And, of course, (You mentioned a timeframe and specific deadlines), will Slovenia receive Yamal gas via the South Stream pipeline in 2016, as planned?
Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you. Indeed, Ms Prime Minister and I have discussed this complicated issue. On 3 December, European Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger wrote to the Russian Minister of Energy, Alexander Novak, on this issue and proposed revising inter-governmental agreements between Russia and EU countries, specifically Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, to bring them into compliance with the Third Energy Package. I want you to understand our stance. In the context of international law, the EU countries see EU acts as national legislation. Under international law, inter-government agreements concluded by above mentioned EU countries with Russia are international law acts. As for international law and common law, international law has primacy over national legislation, and this is how we understand it. From the legal standpoint, and with all respect to the stance of certain European Commissioners and the entire European Union, this can be interpreted in precisely this manner. Nevertheless, we have held consultations today so as not to focus only on these issues, so to say. There are various opportunities here to ensure the interests of the European Union and to fulfill various decisions that have been adopted. At the same time, it’s possible to implement specific projects that we’re promoting, including the South Stream project. These are either legal decisions, or they are located at a junction between law and economics. Please forgive me for this discourse. I got carried away because this is a serious subject.
And one more comment, if you don’t mind. I believe that any document of national or European law should be useful, not cause problems. Unfortunately, the situation with the Third Energy Package seems different. In general, it was created with positive intentions, but it resulted in discord within the European Union and between some EU countries and Brussels as well as with Russia, in this case, and the EU countries. In the long run, our hopes for the establishment of energy and economic relations won’t come true. That’s why we have repeatedly urged our partners in Brussels to at least reconsider the legal implications and economic equation of the Third Energy Package. The ball is now in the EU’s court. We are waiting for our partners’ response.
And the last issue. No doubt, Europe will receive gas by the due date. I hope, this will happen within the existing time limits.
Alenka Bratušek: I just want to add that for Slovenia the South Stream is a strategically important project worth about one billion euros. And Slovenia, as an EU member, must act in compliance with EU legislation, as well as all other members.
I’m confident that all the issues will be resolved in both ways: the first – within the European Union and in the EU countries on another level; and the second way – between Russia and the European Union, between Brussels and Moscow.
I’m also confident that today’s meeting is the first step in this direction. I believe this project will be implemented and that all these issues will be resolved.
Question: I have a question for both prime ministers. South Stream is certainly a priority issue on your agenda. But are there any other joint projects, in particular in non-energy areas, which you are preparing to implement and which will benefit both sides? As for South Stream, I’d like to ask Ms Bratušek to comment on the recent joint decision by the prime ministers of Slovenia, Bulgaria and Hungary to adopt a joint stand at the talks on South Stream issues. How exactly will be it expressed during your dialogue with Russia, with Gazprom?
Alenka Bratušek: As I have said, all the EU member countries must act in compliance with EU legislation. I believe that a joint approach by Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovenia can help to resolve this issue quicker and more effectively. After all, this is basically the same project for us and so there is no reason for any of us to tackle this issue separately.
Dmitry Medvedev: "I can only add that our current cooperation is not focused on energy alone, though we did discuss it at length today within the framework of the South Stream project. But it also includes other projects in information technology, pharmaceutics and various kinds of cooperation in tourism."
Dmitry Medvedev: I can only add that our current cooperation is not focused on energy alone, though we did discuss it at length today within the framework of the South Stream project. But it also includes other projects in information technology, pharmaceutics and various kinds of cooperation in tourism. I don’t think we should be fixated on energy, especially because, as I have said, our trade in 2012 and 2013 grew not because of increased energy prices or energy distribution, including gas from Russia to Slovenia, but due to other factors, such as an increase in Slovenian exports to Russia. In this sense, we should consider ways to optimise our trade, which means that our cooperation has a future. Ms Prime Minister made the valid point that accrued Slovenian investment in Russia is larger than Russian investment in Slovenia. In other words, there are opportunities that we can take advantage of, and we hope that we will do so, especially in view of the upcoming privatisation of certain facilities in Slovenia.
Alenka Bratušek: We mentioned the chemical industry, pharmaceutics, wood processing and tourism. I’d like to add that Slovenia is a very beautiful country, and we invite you to visit it.
Question: I have a question for the Slovenian Prime Minister. When will you publish the results of the bank stress tests? Do you think you have enough funds to close the monetary gap without external assistance? How much do you need for bank recapitalisation? Some sources say you’ll need around 5 billion euros.
Alenka Bratušek: This was not on the agenda today, but it is a widely discussed issue, and I am often asked about it. First there will be a digest of bank stress tests. You will have to wait a few more days to learn the official data. Everything which the media are publishing now is rumour and supposition. The funding could amount to 2 billion euros or more. Let’s wait a few days and see what the actual figure is.
And lastly, we take on our problems independently. You can see in the media that not only the European Commission trusts us in this, but also the financial markets, and so we will definitely resolve our problems ourselves.
Dmitry Medvedev: I can only wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. First, we can start our work, and second, we hope for positive results from the bank stress tests.
Alenka Bratušek: Thank you very much.
Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you, hvala (“Thanks” in Slovenian).
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