Tete-a-tete in St. Petersburg: Macron Visits International Economic Forum to Have Chat With Putin
The most important event of this day is the start of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. Leading Russian financiers, politicians, government workers, investors, speeches, discussions, briefings, and, of course, multimillion-dollar contracts. It's the 22nd time the city has hosted the forum, being a platform not only for important business meetings, but also for international summits. The first of these has just taken place. Vladimir Putin received French President Emmanuel Macron.
Our top political analyst, Pavel Zarubin, reports on these important talks from St. Petersburg.
Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, descend the steps, arm in arm, at Pulkovo Airport, in St. Petersburg. The format of the official visit does not require that a president arrives with his wife, but they came to St. Petersburg together. It's politically meaningful too, showing the importance of the relationship with Russia for France. The Macrons leave Pulkovo for Konstantinovsky Palace to be welcomed by President Putin. Before the talks, he gives them a tour. President Macron and his wife have arrived at the Konstantinovsky Palace. It's his first official visit to Russia. We can't make out what presidents are talking about, most likely about the history of the palace and the surrounding area. But everybody is in high spirits, at least in front of the cameras.
The presidents joined their delegations at the talks at least 15 minutes later. Apparently, the presidents talked privately while being awaited by the foreign ministers, Defense Minister Shoigu, and the French president's Chief of Staff, who helps perform the duties of the Commander-in-Chief. It's clear that Syria and the most pressing international issues will be discussed, but of course, bilateral relations come first. Everyone noticed that Macron called Putin "dear Vladimir".
President Putin: “I want to thank you for accepting our invitation to come to the St. Petersburg Forum. We will use this opportunity to have a full-fledged discussion of Russian-French relations. Our relations are developing despite current difficulties, and our trade volume is growing. How much has it grown by?
- Twenty percent.
Twenty and even 25 percent over the past year. It's continued to grow throughout the first months of 2018, as well. Of course, we'll talk about key international issues, which France and Russia are interested in resolving".
Emmanuel Macron: "Thank you, Mr. President, dear Vladimir, for having us here in St. Petersburg. Our bilateral relations continue to evolve, and our economic ties grow constantly. Today, we will sign a number of critically important contracts. Today, our two nations, with a special status and deep historical ties, can work together in all areas, be it Ukraine, the Middle East, Iran, or Syria. I think that we can work together and consolidate our efforts in search of joint initiatives".
"Can Macron resist Putin?"
"The visit will be correct in form, but firm in content".
These are the recent headlines of top French newspapers. The fact that coming to Russia and meeting with the Russian president is something more for the French president than an official visit, has been highlighted by a recent info leak, revealing that Macron calls himself "equal to Putin." On Friday, he held a separate meeting with experts on Russia, and talked to a philosopher, the author of the book "Inside Putin's head". Officially, Macron said that he wants to build constructive relations where "there would be no place for naivety." But foreign media also notes that Macron's visit to Russia comes only two weeks after Merkel visited Sochi.
"For Vladimir Putin, it is a moment to savor: two of Europe’s most powerful politicians rushing to get to his doorstep".
"Europe and Russia: a time of choosing. The EU and Russia must decide whether to wage a cold war or build a new strategic partnership".
"It's time to invest in France again", is the slogan in France's pavilion at the St. Petersburg forum. That's the way European business trumpets its fatigue from sanctions and poor political relations. In recent years, the economic ties between Russia and France have undergone very serious tests, but they still endure for the time being. But, in spite of everything, economic relations are developing. The oil giant, Total, continues to expand its presence in Russia. Companies from the two countries cooperate as closely as possible in nuclear energy development. In fact, it is the technologies of the two countries that most of the nuclear power industry in Europe rests upon. A new large-scale multi-billion euros contract is being discussed. Companies that appeared just a few years ago to become world-famous are also interested in Russia.
Nicolas Brusson, BlaBlaCar CEO: "Russia is very important for us, it is our largest trading platform. We launched the service in 22 countries, but it was Russia that became the most impressive platform. And the visit of President Macron is, in my opinion, an important signal that our countries are trying to work together and cooperate".
The phrase "isolation of Russia", so much beloved by some Western politicians in recent years, isn't even mentioned at the forum so as not to look ridiculous.
Following Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived today with a no less extensive program. Japan is trying to pursue an independent policy in its relations with Russia, regardless of its main ally, Washington. Tomorrow, both Abe and Macron will participate with Putin at the main meeting of the economic forum.
China, the engine of the world's economy, is well represented in St. Petersburg too.
President Putin: "The Chinese delegation is one of the largest, with over 200 members. It's to be expected, as China is Russia's largest economic and trading partner. Please, convey my best wishes and gratitude to our friend, my friend, President Xi Jinping, for organizing this meeting and forming your delegation just as we agreed".
Wang Qishan, China's VP: "We are extremely respectful of each other's key interests. Chinese-Russian relations influence not only Eurasia but the whole world".
It turns out that China is now the top investor of projects in Russia for the first time, sharply increasing its investments and outdoing Germany. American investors today also announced their immediate losses and lost competition due to anti-Russian sanctions.
Christine Lagarde, Head of the IMF, said that protectionism is the global economy's main threat. She also arrived in St. Petersburg for talks with Putin.
President Putin: "The fund you head is playing an important role in maintaining global economic and financial stability. As a member of the fund, Russia is interested in enhancing its efficiency. Therefore, we will be looking forward to your statements at similar events and G20 forums. We always find your assessments and forecasts very interesting".
Christine Lagarde: "Thank you so much, President. I was delighted to return to your hometown. Yesterday we did some sightseeing, visited the cathedrals, the Hermitage, and had dinner on the Neva River. So that is good".
And there are still several meetings ahead. Today the president's working day will end late at night.
Pavel Zarubin, Andrey Melnikov, Dmitry Yarmolenko, Aleksey Karkukhin, Andrey Sorokin and Pyotr Ravnov for Vesti from St. Petersburg.