Putin outlines foreign policy priorities

Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined the strategic avenues of Russia's foreign policy. While speaking at a meeting of Russian ambassadors at the Foreign Ministry office, Putin laid emphasis on the fight against the threat of terrorism. He stressed that the anti-terrorist move must not only be taken "at the level of diplomatic talks and contacts of all agencies, but also in the sphere of reinforcing the international legal base." "In addition," Putin continued, "the war on terror must remain a central topic in co-operation with our partners in the CIS, the Collective Security Treaty, the Shanghai Organisation of Co-operation and other international and regional organisations." According to the president, the second task is "to enhance global stability". He stressed that Russia and the US had special commitments in this sphere.

The President noted that Russia and the US had "a similar vision of present-day global threats," and said that "the confidential partnership between Russia and the US is not only in line with our nations' interests." "It is positively influencing the entire system of international relations, remaining therefore one of the most unconditional priorities," the head of state said.

According to the President, the next priority of the Russian foreign policy is co-operation with Western Europe. Over the past months, Russia's activity in this avenue has been "unprecedented". Putin pointed to new objectives in this area: "long-term energy co-operation and hi-tech innovation projects." Russia's main task in its co-operation with Western Europe is "direct involvement in shaping a common economic area". Putin stated that "the extent of the compromise" should be clearly established to "conduct the dialogue on the Kaliningrad issue in view of the upcoming EU enlargement." The head of state stressed that "compromise is possible, but not to the detriment of our interests and the rights of our citizens."