Russian Deputy Foreign Minister On Cooperation With APEC Countries

Russia should bring cooperation with APEC countries up to the European level, Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Ivanov said at a conference "Russia in APEC and Asia Pacific," which opened here on Tuesday. In the 21st century Asia Pacific will be the home for the main centres of world economic development, Ivan Ivanov said. This fact explains why Russia has stepped up its Asian policy, as proved by Putin's visits to China, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia and Vietnam this and past year. The Russian political elite is coming to see that Russia is an organic part of Asia as well as Europe, hold Ivan Ivanov. The forthcoming October summit meeting of the heads of state and government of the APEC countries in Shanghai will give Russia a chance to discuss practical ways of cooperation, the diplomat said. "We hope to rally the support of our Chinese friends," he added.

Visit www.rian.ru for RIA 'Novosti' news.