WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.912 Mr President, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, 2 00:00:03.912 --> 00:00:09.407 Our talks with the Moldovan President were held in a constructive 3 00:00:09.407 --> 00:00:11.860 and I would also say friendly atmosphere. 4 00:00:11.860 --> 00:00:14.986 They were concrete and covered issues of mutual interest. 5 00:00:14.986 --> 00:00:18.708 We have discussed the entire range of bilateral issues first 6 00:00:18.708 --> 00:00:22.357 in a narrow format and then in the presence of the heads of Russian 7 00:00:22.357 --> 00:00:25.222 ministries and agencies. 8 00:00:25.222 --> 00:00:29.647 We have outlined the goals and tasks for the further 9 00:00:29.647 --> 00:00:33.321 development of Russian-Moldovan cooperation. 10 00:00:33.321 --> 00:00:37.830 We also held a detailed discussion of regional issues. 11 00:00:37.830 --> 00:00:43.090 I welcome our partners’ intention to further develop bilateral 12 00:00:43.090 --> 00:00:48.768 relations. I would like to say that Moldova is an important partner 13 00:00:48.768 --> 00:00:51.691 of Russia in the post-Soviet space. 14 00:00:51.691 --> 00:00:56.951 Russia has always stood firmly for maintaining the sovereignty 15 00:00:56.951 --> 00:01:01.126 and territorial integrity of the republic and its 16 00:01:01.126 --> 00:01:03.714 non-aligned and neutral status. 17 00:01:03.714 --> 00:01:09.726 This year Russia and Moldova will mark 25 years since the establishment 18 00:01:09.726 --> 00:01:11.730 of diplomatic relations. 19 00:01:11.730 --> 00:01:17.158 Mr President and I have agreed that we will celebrate this event. 20 00:01:17.158 --> 00:01:21.583 Our talks focused on the development of mutual trade. 21 00:01:21.583 --> 00:01:27.010 Unfortunately, our bilateral trade has decreased by more than 50 22 00:01:27.010 --> 00:01:32.772 percent in the past few years, largely due to objective factors such 23 00:01:32.772 --> 00:01:36.028 as fluctuating prices of raw materials. 24 00:01:36.028 --> 00:01:39.073 Also, we must say that Moldova’s mutually beneficial ties with Russia 25 00:01:39.073 --> 00:01:42.683 deteriorated due to attempts to boost the republic’s 26 00:01:42.683 --> 00:01:44.483 rapprochement with the European Union. 27 00:01:44.483 --> 00:01:50.262 As a result, Moldovan goods have almost lost their traditional place 28 00:01:50.262 --> 00:01:55.120 in Russia and have not gained a foothold in other markets. 29 00:01:55.120 --> 00:02:00.061 On the contrary, statistics show that Moldova’s trade with 30 00:02:00.061 --> 00:02:02.573 the EU countries has declined. 31 00:02:02.573 --> 00:02:07.431 The bilateral intergovernmental commission is now working 32 00:02:07.431 --> 00:02:09.525 to remedy this situation. 33 00:02:09.525 --> 00:02:13.010 During a recent meeting, it has adopted a joint action plan 34 00:02:13.010 --> 00:02:18.375 for 2016–2017, which includes practical steps to bolster mutual 35 00:02:18.375 --> 00:02:22.147 investments and trade, including in industry, 36 00:02:22.147 --> 00:02:24.998 high technologies and agriculture. 37 00:02:24.998 --> 00:02:30.698 Incidentally, Russia is not opposed to Moldova developing relations 38 00:02:30.698 --> 00:02:34.471 with its partners anywhere, including Europe, 39 00:02:34.471 --> 00:02:39.417 as we pointed out at the talks with the Moldovan President. 40 00:02:39.417 --> 00:02:45.033 However, we would like this joint work to proceed in a coordinated 41 00:02:45.033 --> 00:02:50.818 manner, so as not to damage what we have created but to help us move 42 00:02:50.818 --> 00:02:53.584 forward, improving our economies, 43 00:02:53.584 --> 00:02:58.362 the social sector and the quality of life for our people. 44 00:02:58.362 --> 00:03:02.889 The energy sector is a key aspect of Russian-Moldovan 45 00:03:02.889 --> 00:03:04.650 economic cooperation. 46 00:03:04.650 --> 00:03:10.686 Russia regularly provides Moldova with oil and gas and completely meets 47 00:03:10.686 --> 00:03:13.787 the country’s demand for natural gas. 48 00:03:13.787 --> 00:03:16.510 After the talks, we instructed experts to draft proposals 49 00:03:16.510 --> 00:03:19.364 on addressing issues in this area. 50 00:03:19.364 --> 00:03:23.309 Russia and Moldova have substantial experience 51 00:03:23.309 --> 00:03:25.828 of inter-regional cooperation. 52 00:03:25.828 --> 00:03:30.613 Sixty-seven Russian regions maintain contacts with their 53 00:03:30.613 --> 00:03:34.054 Moldovan partners. Moscow, St Petersburg, 54 00:03:34.054 --> 00:03:37.423 Belgorod and Bryansk regions lead the way in this respect. 55 00:03:37.423 --> 00:03:41.681 Russian regions are also actively expanding their ties with Gagauzia. 56 00:03:41.681 --> 00:03:46.223 We have agreed to take action for expanding bilateral 57 00:03:46.223 --> 00:03:49.083 cooperation in humanitarian areas. 58 00:03:49.083 --> 00:03:53.962 Naturally, we discussed the Transnistria peace settlement 59 00:03:53.962 --> 00:03:59.597 in great detail. Some improvements in the negotiating process that 60 00:03:59.597 --> 00:04:03.854 manifested themselves in 2016 will certainly help enhance trust between 61 00:04:03.854 --> 00:04:06.212 the parties to the conflict. 62 00:04:06.212 --> 00:04:11.667 It is necessary to search for a mutually acceptable state legislative 63 00:04:11.667 --> 00:04:14.623 model for resolving the conflict on the basis of generally recognised 64 00:04:14.623 --> 00:04:16.902 norms of international law. 65 00:04:16.902 --> 00:04:20.778 As before, Russia is ready to continue acting as mediator 66 00:04:20.778 --> 00:04:23.508 and to guarantee compliance with agreements that may be 67 00:04:23.508 --> 00:04:25.013 reached by the parties. 68 00:04:25.013 --> 00:04:27.503 During our talks, we devoted attention to Eurasian integration 69 00:04:27.503 --> 00:04:30.103 processes. As the incumbent CIS president, 70 00:04:30.103 --> 00:04:33.011 Russia praises the desire of the President of Moldova to expand 71 00:04:33.011 --> 00:04:37.684 Moldova’s involvement in the work of CIS organisations. 72 00:04:37.684 --> 00:04:42.272 I know that Mr President has met with Tigran Sargsyan, 73 00:04:42.272 --> 00:04:46.775 chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Board, 74 00:04:46.775 --> 00:04:52.467 earlier today. I hope very much that we will also be able to reach 75 00:04:52.467 --> 00:04:55.186 certain agreements in this area, 76 00:04:55.186 --> 00:05:00.369 so as to remove all possible concerns in the economic sphere 77 00:05:00.369 --> 00:05:03.937 and to expand the base of our cooperation. 78 00:05:03.937 --> 00:05:09.290 In conclusion, I would like to thank President of the Republic 79 00:05:09.290 --> 00:05:15.152 of Moldova Mr Dodon and all our Moldovan colleagues for the detailed 80 00:05:15.152 --> 00:05:18.041 and fruitful exchange of opinions. 81 00:05:18.041 --> 00:05:22.629 I am confident that the latest talks will help expand 82 00:05:22.629 --> 00:05:25.943 equitable Russian-Moldovan cooperation. 83 00:05:25.943 --> 00:05:28.407 Thank you for your attention. 84 00:05:28.407 --> 00:05:30.276 Mr President, friends, 85 00:05:30.276 --> 00:05:34.949 Today is a historic day for Moldovan-Russian relations. 86 00:05:34.949 --> 00:05:42.206 Unfortunately, the past seven years were not the best period in our 87 00:05:42.206 --> 00:05:49.589 relations, which date back hundreds of years. 88 00:05:49.589 --> 00:05:53.467 As we know, strategic partnership with the Russian Federation has 89 00:05:53.467 --> 00:05:58.536 disappeared from the majority of government documents 90 00:05:58.536 --> 00:06:02.478 and strategies of the Republic of Moldova. 91 00:06:02.478 --> 00:06:09.142 This is the first visit by a Moldovan President in the past nine years. 92 00:06:09.142 --> 00:06:14.773 Until now, Moldovan leaders did not come to Russia but made 93 00:06:14.773 --> 00:06:20.401 official visits to Brussels. 94 00:06:20.401 --> 00:06:26.432 Last year Moldovan citizens cast their votes for the values 95 00:06:26.432 --> 00:06:30.151 the President of Moldova will uphold. 96 00:06:30.151 --> 00:06:41.000 They opted for maintaining our statehood and neutrality, 97 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:46.961 for reintegration, for settling the Transnistrian issue and preserving 98 00:06:46.961 --> 00:06:50.487 our traditional Orthodox Christian values. 99 00:06:50.487 --> 00:06:56.028 These three aspects are of fundamental significance and cannot be 100 00:06:56.028 --> 00:07:00.814 protected or promoted outside strategic partnership with 101 00:07:00.814 --> 00:07:02.745 the Russian Federation. 102 00:07:02.745 --> 00:07:10.522 I would like the citizens of Russia to know clearly without any doubt 103 00:07:10.522 --> 00:07:18.160 that the majority of Moldovans want to be friends with Russia, 104 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:22.009 regardless of what some politicians may claim. 105 00:07:22.009 --> 00:07:26.109 We are set for strategic partnership with Russia, 106 00:07:26.109 --> 00:07:31.549 and I am convinced that we will turn a new page in our bilateral 107 00:07:31.549 --> 00:07:37.406 relations today, the goal we have discussed in detail during my visit. 108 00:07:37.406 --> 00:07:41.674 Of course, we discussed very many issues that have 109 00:07:41.674 --> 00:07:46.695 accumulated over the past years. One of them concerns trade. 110 00:07:46.695 --> 00:07:52.636 We understand that it will be difficult to resolve all problems in our 111 00:07:52.636 --> 00:07:58.578 bilateral trade while retaining the free trade agreements we have with 112 00:07:58.578 --> 00:08:01.423 other countries, including the EU, 113 00:08:01.423 --> 00:08:05.189 but we have agreed to move towards this goal. 114 00:08:05.189 --> 00:08:09.038 Of course, there is the issue of our migrants. 115 00:08:09.038 --> 00:08:14.394 Almost 500,000 Moldovan citizens officially work in the Russian 116 00:08:14.394 --> 00:08:20.251 Federation, several tens of thousands are in Moldova and cannot enter 117 00:08:20.251 --> 00:08:24.268 Russia due to various administrative violations. 118 00:08:24.268 --> 00:08:27.364 This issue was among those discussed. 119 00:08:27.364 --> 00:08:32.050 We hope that in the very near future a solution for our 120 00:08:32.050 --> 00:08:33.891 citizens can be found. 121 00:08:33.891 --> 00:08:37.657 Transnistria is another very important issue. 122 00:08:37.657 --> 00:08:41.841 Transnistria is a part of the Republic of Moldova. 123 00:08:41.841 --> 00:08:45.356 For the first time in the past nine years, 124 00:08:45.356 --> 00:08:48.033 I paid a visit to the left bank, 125 00:08:48.033 --> 00:08:50.711 Transnistria. Earlier this year, 126 00:08:50.711 --> 00:08:54.644 also for the first time in the past nine years, 127 00:08:54.644 --> 00:09:00.251 there was a meeting between the leaders of the right and left bank. 128 00:09:00.251 --> 00:09:04.519 This produced a concrete result: the Joint Control 129 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:06.778 Commission started working. 130 00:09:06.778 --> 00:09:12.552 I do hope that with the active involvement of our strategic partners 131 00:09:12.552 --> 00:09:17.740 from the Russian Federation, we will make progress in solving 132 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:23.096 the problems that our people face on both banks of the Dniester. 133 00:09:23.096 --> 00:09:28.786 We learned our lessons from the mistakes of the early 2000s when it 134 00:09:28.786 --> 00:09:34.309 comes to the Transnistria issue and I am certain that we will not 135 00:09:34.309 --> 00:09:38.493 repeat those mistakes again and will move forward. 136 00:09:38.493 --> 00:09:45.846 Therefore, Mr President, our citizens have great expectations and I am 137 00:09:45.846 --> 00:09:50.111 sure they are justified. 138 00:09:50.111 --> 00:09:55.228 I hope that from now on, the citizens of Moldova will feel that we have 139 00:09:55.228 --> 00:10:02.775 resumed our friendly strategic relations. 140 00:10:02.775 --> 00:10:05.198 Thank you very much. 141 00:10:05.198 --> 00:10:07.170 Thank you. 142 00:10:23.710 --> 00:10:27.661 Mr Putin, I have a question for you. 143 00:10:27.661 --> 00:10:31.094 A lot of things are happening in Moldova for the first time now. 144 00:10:31.094 --> 00:10:34.650 We had a nationwide presidential election for the first time. 145 00:10:34.650 --> 00:10:37.437 Also for the first time since 2008, as someone mentioned today, 146 00:10:37.437 --> 00:10:40.404 we had a meeting at this level here in the Kremlin. 147 00:10:40.404 --> 00:10:43.119 And a meeting of the two leaders, 148 00:10:43.119 --> 00:10:46.914 the newly elected president and the Transnistrian leader took place 149 00:10:46.914 --> 00:10:50.056 on the right bank, in the town of Bendery, also for the first time. 150 00:10:50.056 --> 00:10:55.754 Reasonable political forces in Moldova now understand that improving 151 00:10:55.754 --> 00:11:00.328 the protracted situation in the Transnistrian region is impossible 152 00:11:00.328 --> 00:11:03.882 without the active participation of Russia. 153 00:11:03.882 --> 00:11:07.189 In your view, what might happen and how, 154 00:11:07.189 --> 00:11:10.743 and what could drive this process? Perhaps, 155 00:11:10.743 --> 00:11:16.281 the revival of the ”Kozak plan,“ or some other road map? Thank you. 156 00:11:16.281 --> 00:11:21.489 First of all, I want to say that we welcome the courage showed 157 00:11:21.489 --> 00:11:24.961 by the newly elected President Igor Dodon, 158 00:11:24.961 --> 00:11:30.913 who travelled to Transnistria, because it is definitely a demonstration 159 00:11:30.913 --> 00:11:34.550 of the desire to restore not only relations, 160 00:11:34.550 --> 00:11:37.389 but also the country’s territorial integrity. 161 00:11:37.389 --> 00:11:40.266 It is also a clear manifestation of respect for the people 162 00:11:40.266 --> 00:11:42.339 who live in Transnistria. 163 00:11:42.339 --> 00:11:45.578 I think that this will create proper conditions for the start 164 00:11:45.578 --> 00:11:50.688 of constructive and serious talks on the Transnistrian settlement. 165 00:11:50.688 --> 00:11:55.340 You know, in 2003, we came as close as ever to reaching 166 00:11:55.340 --> 00:11:58.082 a final settlement to this issue. 167 00:11:58.082 --> 00:12:02.050 Unfortunately, the Moldovan authorities abruptly changed their mind 168 00:12:02.050 --> 00:12:05.163 then, and the plan drafted by all the parties to this 169 00:12:05.163 --> 00:12:06.913 process fell through. 170 00:12:06.913 --> 00:12:12.578 I hope very much that we will return to this issue not in words but 171 00:12:12.578 --> 00:12:17.661 in deeds, and find a compromise solution taking into account 172 00:12:17.661 --> 00:12:22.326 the interests of all the people who live in that region. 173 00:12:22.326 --> 00:12:23.969 If such a compromise is found – 174 00:12:23.969 --> 00:12:26.903 and it can be found only among Moldova and Transnistria – 175 00:12:26.903 --> 00:12:30.198 we will definitely act as guarantors of the fulfilment 176 00:12:30.198 --> 00:12:32.535 of all agreements that are made. 177 00:12:37.035 --> 00:12:39.820 I have a question for both of you. 178 00:12:39.820 --> 00:12:43.132 I will continue the theme of the many firsts today – 179 00:12:43.132 --> 00:12:47.719 not only the first visit or the first high-level talks. 180 00:12:47.719 --> 00:12:53.223 As we know, the Russian-Moldovan Intergovernmental Commission met 181 00:12:53.223 --> 00:12:56.725 recently for the first time in four years. 182 00:12:56.725 --> 00:12:59.335 Based on the results of today's talks, 183 00:12:59.335 --> 00:13:02.189 do you think it will be possible to move toward restoring intensive 184 00:13:02.189 --> 00:13:05.908 cooperation? Will it be possible to restore economic cooperation 185 00:13:05.908 --> 00:13:10.230 between Russia and Moldova? For example, 186 00:13:10.230 --> 00:13:14.093 will Russia open its market to Moldova? And if so, 187 00:13:14.093 --> 00:13:17.734 when can it happen? Thank you. 188 00:13:20.914 --> 00:13:24.411 I think we will eventually get there. 189 00:13:24.411 --> 00:13:27.662 We must proceed from realities, though, 190 00:13:27.662 --> 00:13:31.247 including the reality of Moldovan politics. 191 00:13:31.247 --> 00:13:34.375 We know the competence of the Moldovan Government, 192 00:13:34.375 --> 00:13:37.046 the competence of the President. 193 00:13:37.046 --> 00:13:40.127 Some issues are not within the President’s competence according 194 00:13:40.127 --> 00:13:42.037 to the country’s constitution. 195 00:13:42.037 --> 00:13:45.888 But we will work with the Government and with 196 00:13:45.888 --> 00:13:48.818 the President, we are ready for it. 197 00:13:48.818 --> 00:13:51.733 I already mentioned this in my opening remarks. 198 00:13:51.733 --> 00:13:56.929 Much will depend on how Moldova will build its relations with 199 00:13:56.929 --> 00:14:02.712 the European Union, I mean the association agreement between Moldova 200 00:14:02.712 --> 00:14:06.827 and the European Union that has been signed and entered into force. 201 00:14:06.827 --> 00:14:09.429 There are certain risks for us, 202 00:14:09.429 --> 00:14:13.970 similar to the risks that we faced after a similar document was signed 203 00:14:13.970 --> 00:14:17.249 between Ukraine and the European Union. 204 00:14:17.249 --> 00:14:20.696 We said so openly and quite convincingly, 205 00:14:20.696 --> 00:14:26.245 I believe. We always said so to our partners in the CIS countries, 206 00:14:26.245 --> 00:14:28.684 and to our European partners. 207 00:14:28.684 --> 00:14:34.065 Much can and should be done in the trilateral format, of course, 208 00:14:34.065 --> 00:14:37.512 if our European friends and our partners 209 00:14:37.512 --> 00:14:40.791 (Moldova, I mean) are willing to do so. 210 00:14:40.791 --> 00:14:44.575 Many plants in Moldova have reopened already, 211 00:14:44.575 --> 00:14:49.704 and their products are being delivered to the Russian market. 212 00:14:49.704 --> 00:14:55.758 We agreed that a number of plants will be further inspected by relevant 213 00:14:55.758 --> 00:14:59.121 Russian agencies, and I do not rule out, 214 00:14:59.121 --> 00:15:04.670 actually I am almost certain that the number of companies allowed 215 00:15:04.670 --> 00:15:09.295 to supply products to the Russian market will increase. 216 00:15:09.295 --> 00:15:12.995 The same applies to labour migration issues. 217 00:15:12.995 --> 00:15:18.123 Mr Dodon has raised this issue today in a variety of formats. 218 00:15:18.123 --> 00:15:23.925 Well, what can I say? Moldova is certainly less of a threat in terms 219 00:15:23.925 --> 00:15:29.054 of undesirable migrants infiltrating Russia than other areas, 220 00:15:29.054 --> 00:15:33.678 bearing in mind a number of factors that the President 221 00:15:33.678 --> 00:15:35.865 of Moldova just mentioned. 222 00:15:35.865 --> 00:15:39.900 We will think about how to resolve this problem, 223 00:15:39.900 --> 00:15:44.609 considering that many Moldovans are really economically 224 00:15:44.609 --> 00:15:47.216 dependent on working in Russia. 225 00:15:47.216 --> 00:15:51.251 We understand this and are willing to help them. 226 00:15:51.251 --> 00:15:54.026 I think a solution will be found. 227 00:15:54.026 --> 00:15:58.062 Regarding the resumption of full-scale economic 228 00:15:58.062 --> 00:16:00.500 cooperation, I will say this. 229 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:06.470 Of course, we would like it here and now but we understand that Moscow 230 00:16:06.470 --> 00:16:08.404 was not built in a day. 231 00:16:08.404 --> 00:16:13.365 We understand that what was destroyed over years cannot be 232 00:16:13.365 --> 00:16:14.962 restored overnight. 233 00:16:14.962 --> 00:16:20.512 We are pragmatists and we understand that there is an association 234 00:16:20.512 --> 00:16:23.370 agreement with the European Union. 235 00:16:23.370 --> 00:16:29.172 By the way, I have repeatedly come out against signing the agreement. 236 00:16:29.172 --> 00:16:33.712 I believe that the agreement has done Moldova no good. 237 00:16:33.712 --> 00:16:38.253 We have lost the Russian market and, strangely enough, 238 00:16:38.253 --> 00:16:41.532 our exports to the EU have also fallen. 239 00:16:41.532 --> 00:16:45.529 In other words, we have received nothing from signing the agreement. 240 00:16:45.529 --> 00:16:49.407 And I cannot rule out that after the next parliamentary election, 241 00:16:49.407 --> 00:16:53.157 this will be the position of the parliamentary majority 242 00:16:53.157 --> 00:16:55.168 and I will support that position. 243 00:16:55.168 --> 00:16:58.794 There is the Socialist Party and I hope they will get a parliamentary 244 00:16:58.794 --> 00:17:00.851 majority and the agreement will be repealed. 245 00:17:00.851 --> 00:17:05.532 Regarding cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union, 246 00:17:05.532 --> 00:17:10.044 it is very important. Mr Putin has spoken about this. 247 00:17:10.044 --> 00:17:14.385 In the morning I had a meeting with the leadership 248 00:17:14.385 --> 00:17:17.449 of the Eurasian Economic Commission. 249 00:17:17.449 --> 00:17:21.402 Today I put forward an initiative to sign a framework memorandum 250 00:17:21.402 --> 00:17:23.316 on cooperation with the EAEU. 251 00:17:23.316 --> 00:17:27.242 We agreed to begin consultations within the next few weeks and sign 252 00:17:27.242 --> 00:17:30.580 this memorandum in the next few months. 253 00:17:30.580 --> 00:17:34.573 It is not at odds with the agreements that Moldova has signed at this 254 00:17:34.573 --> 00:17:38.918 point with other partners, but it is the first step toward 255 00:17:38.918 --> 00:17:41.061 rapprochement. 256 00:17:41.061 --> 00:17:46.554 I asked Mr Putin to consider the possibility of Moldova getting 257 00:17:46.554 --> 00:17:51.017 observer status in the Eurasian Economic Commission. 258 00:17:51.017 --> 00:17:54.801 I believe this is a good step for us to see what needs to be done 259 00:17:54.801 --> 00:17:58.013 and how, as well as to gather information from both sides. 260 00:17:58.013 --> 00:18:02.241 Insofar as trade and economic ties are concerned, 261 00:18:02.241 --> 00:18:06.211 I believe we are at the beginning of our path. 262 00:18:06.211 --> 00:18:10.957 At this stage, enterprises from Transnistria, Gagauzia, 263 00:18:10.957 --> 00:18:14.844 and dozens of companies from the rest of Moldova are already supplying 264 00:18:14.844 --> 00:18:16.908 their goods to the Russian market. 265 00:18:16.908 --> 00:18:20.058 I hope that in the next several weeks 266 00:18:20.058 --> 00:18:23.627 (we have discussed this) the list will be expanded for our 267 00:18:23.627 --> 00:18:27.625 manufacturers to return to the Russian market. 268 00:18:27.625 --> 00:18:33.189 However, the full-scale opening of the market should, of course, 269 00:18:33.189 --> 00:18:36.141 be considered also within the framework of the agreements that Moldova 270 00:18:36.141 --> 00:18:38.833 has signed with other participants. 271 00:18:38.833 --> 00:18:42.671 In early February I will visit Brussels and naturally we will talk 272 00:18:42.671 --> 00:18:45.477 about this with our EU partners, 273 00:18:45.477 --> 00:18:49.115 citing figures. Two years have passed and so far, 274 00:18:49.115 --> 00:18:52.793 there have been no results either in the economy or in other sectors. 275 00:18:52.793 --> 00:18:56.090 We will have to decide what to do next. 276 00:18:56.770 --> 00:19:02.188 I have a question for Mr Putin. 277 00:19:02.188 --> 00:19:11.626 Labour migration is a key concern in Moldovan society. 278 00:19:11.626 --> 00:19:16.705 Do today's talks provide any hope for resolving this issue? What 279 00:19:16.705 --> 00:19:23.483 specific steps is Russia prepared to make in order 280 00:19:23.483 --> 00:19:26.648 to positively resolve the migration issue? 281 00:19:26.648 --> 00:19:32.377 I have just mentioned this. I can only repeat what I said earlier. 282 00:19:32.377 --> 00:19:38.711 About half a million people from Moldova work in Russia. 283 00:19:38.711 --> 00:19:45.044 We don’t have any major issues with the people who come 284 00:19:45.044 --> 00:19:52.910 to work in Russia from Moldova. 285 00:19:52.910 --> 00:19:59.070 About 50,000 Moldovans can’t enter the territory of Russia because they 286 00:19:59.070 --> 00:20:00.952 violated certain laws. 287 00:20:00.952 --> 00:20:05.744 There will not be a positive outcome for those who have 288 00:20:05.744 --> 00:20:08.738 committed felonies. For all others, 289 00:20:08.738 --> 00:20:12.219 we will seek a solution. I repeat: I am confident that we will find one. 290 00:20:12.219 --> 00:20:17.894 We need to build such relations with a wide range of our partners. 291 00:20:17.894 --> 00:20:20.559 This does not apply to Moldova, 292 00:20:20.559 --> 00:20:25.718 because if we make certain decisions with regard to Moldova, 293 00:20:25.718 --> 00:20:29.316 we will have to make decisions with respect to other countries. 294 00:20:29.316 --> 00:20:33.185 In this sense, Moldova is hostage to our relations with other 295 00:20:33.185 --> 00:20:40.775 countries, but I repeat: we have no problem with Moldova and Moldovans 296 00:20:40.775 --> 00:20:46.577 of all ethnicities who come to Russia. 297 00:20:46.577 --> 00:20:50.871 I am referring to a variety of favourable factors. 298 00:20:50.871 --> 00:20:54.133 We need to do more work on this issue. 299 00:20:54.133 --> 00:20:59.542 We agreed that we will create a corresponding Security Council 300 00:20:59.542 --> 00:21:04.437 committee in Russia, and effectively it has already been 301 00:21:04.437 --> 00:21:06.841 created upon my instruction. 302 00:21:06.841 --> 00:21:09.502 In the course of today’s talks, 303 00:21:09.502 --> 00:21:14.310 the Deputy Interior Minister reported to us their plans 304 00:21:14.310 --> 00:21:19.634 for the near future. I just don’t want to get ahead of events, 305 00:21:19.634 --> 00:21:24.950 but I want to assure you that we will find a solution. 306 00:21:30.770 --> 00:21:35.029 Sorry, this is a bit off-topic for today’s meeting, 307 00:21:35.029 --> 00:21:38.103 but it is an international issue. 308 00:21:38.103 --> 00:21:40.779 I’m referring to the flare-up of American passions. 309 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:42.902 It is an important issue. 310 00:21:42.902 --> 00:21:47.064 How do you feel about the fact that Barack Obama, 311 00:21:47.064 --> 00:21:51.354 whose term will end in days, has introduced new anti-Russian sanctions, 312 00:21:51.354 --> 00:21:54.394 without waiting for the previous sanctions to expire? A bill is pending 313 00:21:54.394 --> 00:21:57.225 in Congress and if it is adopted, 314 00:21:57.225 --> 00:22:02.886 it will be more difficult for Trump to lift them if he so decides. 315 00:22:02.886 --> 00:22:06.622 And another point. You have never commented on the report claiming that 316 00:22:06.622 --> 00:22:09.770 we in Russia gathered compromising materials on Trump, 317 00:22:09.770 --> 00:22:12.935 among other things, during his visit to Moscow. 318 00:22:12.935 --> 00:22:17.043 It has been alleged that he partied with prostitutes at a Moscow hotel. 319 00:22:17.043 --> 00:22:21.726 Is that true? Have you seen those files, videos, footage? 320 00:22:21.726 --> 00:22:24.784 Continuing on the topic of America, 321 00:22:24.784 --> 00:22:30.551 some of Trump’s remarks have displeased Ms Merkel and Mr Hollande, 322 00:22:30.551 --> 00:22:33.734 and America’s relationship with the EU is worsening. 323 00:22:33.734 --> 00:22:37.301 How do you feel about this? 324 00:22:37.301 --> 00:22:40.885 We have a news agency. It is called Life. 325 00:22:40.885 --> 00:22:45.328 Everyone is trying to prod us closer to life. (Laughter.) 326 00:22:45.328 --> 00:22:51.017 You know, there is a category of people who leave without saying 327 00:22:51.017 --> 00:22:54.921 goodbye, out of respect for the situation that has evolved, 328 00:22:54.921 --> 00:22:57.380 so as not to upset anything. 329 00:22:57.380 --> 00:23:01.557 And then there are people who keep saying goodbye but don’t leave. 330 00:23:01.557 --> 00:23:07.303 I believe the outgoing administration belongs to the second category. 331 00:23:07.303 --> 00:23:13.660 What are we seeing in the United States? We are seeing the continuation 332 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:19.135 of an acute internal political struggle despite the fact that 333 00:23:19.135 --> 00:23:23.814 the presidential election is over and it ended in Mr 334 00:23:23.814 --> 00:23:26.198 Trump’s convincing victory. 335 00:23:26.198 --> 00:23:31.231 Nevertheless, in my opinion, several goals are being set 336 00:23:31.231 --> 00:23:34.674 in this struggle. Maybe there are more, 337 00:23:34.674 --> 00:23:38.117 but some of them are perfectly obvious. 338 00:23:38.117 --> 00:23:41.853 The first is to undermine the legitimacy of the US president-elect. 339 00:23:41.853 --> 00:23:47.808 By the way, in this regard, I would like to point out that whether 340 00:23:47.808 --> 00:23:52.696 deliberately or not, these people are causing enormous 341 00:23:52.696 --> 00:23:56.251 damage to US interests. Simply enormous. 342 00:23:56.251 --> 00:24:00.962 The impression is that, after a practice run in Kiev, 343 00:24:00.962 --> 00:24:03.982 they are now ready to organise a Maidan in Washington 344 00:24:03.982 --> 00:24:06.220 to prevent Trump from taking office. 345 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:11.960 The second goal is to tie the new president’s hands as he works 346 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:16.982 to fulfil the campaign promises he made to the American 347 00:24:16.982 --> 00:24:19.762 people both at home and abroad. 348 00:24:19.762 --> 00:24:26.040 Well, think, how can anything be done to improve Russian-US relations 349 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:31.780 if red herrings such as interference by hackers in the election 350 00:24:31.780 --> 00:24:36.981 campaign are trotted out? Although to reiterate, hackers – 351 00:24:36.981 --> 00:24:40.927 whoever they are – did not compile anything; 352 00:24:40.927 --> 00:24:46.308 they did not make anything up; they only disclosed material. 353 00:24:46.308 --> 00:24:51.151 Or, especially, if Russian special services have some 354 00:24:51.151 --> 00:24:55.187 compromising material on the president-elect. 355 00:24:55.187 --> 00:25:00.747 Look, I am not acquainted with Mr Trump. I have never met him. 356 00:25:00.747 --> 00:25:05.859 I do not know what he will do in the international arena, 357 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:12.227 so I have no reason either to attack him or criticise him for whatever 358 00:25:12.227 --> 00:25:15.814 reason or to defend him, no matter what. 359 00:25:15.814 --> 00:25:21.823 We will not even ask the Nobel Committee to give him a Nobel Prize 360 00:25:21.823 --> 00:25:25.048 for mathematics or physics or any other subject. 361 00:25:25.048 --> 00:25:27.412 I have absolutely no grounds for that. 362 00:25:27.412 --> 00:25:31.577 However, these leaks are obviously fabricated. 363 00:25:31.577 --> 00:25:35.741 When Mr Trump came to Moscow a few years ago – 364 00:25:35.741 --> 00:25:38.548 I don’t remember exactly when – 365 00:25:38.548 --> 00:25:44.705 he was not a politician. We were unaware of his political ambitions. 366 00:25:44.705 --> 00:25:47.602 He was just a businessman to us, 367 00:25:47.602 --> 00:25:50.952 one of the wealthiest men in America. 368 00:25:50.952 --> 00:25:55.849 Does anyone think that our special services are chasing after every 369 00:25:55.849 --> 00:25:58.976 American billionaire? Of course not. It's nonsense. 370 00:25:58.976 --> 00:26:00.997 That’s my first point. 371 00:26:00.997 --> 00:26:06.783 Second, concerning the allegation that Trump arrived in Moscow 372 00:26:06.783 --> 00:26:09.834 and the first thing he did was meet with Moscow prostitutes. 373 00:26:09.834 --> 00:26:12.999 First, he is an adult and, second, 374 00:26:12.999 --> 00:26:19.237 he has for many years sponsored beauty contests and had the chance 375 00:26:19.237 --> 00:26:23.055 to meet the world’s most beautiful women. 376 00:26:23.055 --> 00:26:30.927 Why would he run to a hotel to meet up with our girls of limited social 377 00:26:30.927 --> 00:26:35.847 responsibility? Although they are, of course, 378 00:26:35.847 --> 00:26:42.189 the best in the world. But I doubt that Trump fell for it. 379 00:26:42.189 --> 00:26:46.292 Finally, there’s one more consideration. 380 00:26:46.292 --> 00:26:52.538 Prostitution is an ugly social phenomenon. 381 00:26:52.538 --> 00:26:59.760 Among other things, young women engage in it because they cannot make 382 00:26:59.760 --> 00:27:02.442 a decent living otherwise. 383 00:27:02.442 --> 00:27:08.736 To a great extent, the guilt lies with society and the state. 384 00:27:08.736 --> 00:27:12.696 People who order these kinds of fabrications, 385 00:27:12.696 --> 00:27:20.033 which are now being used to smear the US President-elect, 386 00:27:20.033 --> 00:27:25.206 and use it to advance their political agenda are worse than 387 00:27:25.206 --> 00:27:29.604 prostitutes. They have no moral constraints at all. 388 00:27:29.604 --> 00:27:34.605 By the way, Russia is constantly dealing with such people, 389 00:27:34.605 --> 00:27:40.210 our opponents. The fact that such methods are being used against 390 00:27:40.210 --> 00:27:44.587 the President-elect of the United States is certainly unparalleled 391 00:27:44.587 --> 00:27:47.215 and has never happened before. 392 00:27:47.215 --> 00:27:50.154 This indicates the significant level of degradation among political 393 00:27:50.154 --> 00:27:53.021 elites in the West, including the United States. 394 00:27:53.021 --> 00:27:57.844 But I very much hope that common sense will prevail. 395 00:27:57.844 --> 00:28:03.409 This applies to relations between the United States and its 396 00:28:03.409 --> 00:28:06.006 allies, including in Europe. 397 00:28:06.006 --> 00:28:10.710 After all, it is the current outgoing administration that has involved 398 00:28:10.710 --> 00:28:15.261 many European political leaders in the US domestic political fight. 399 00:28:15.261 --> 00:28:20.405 Today's problems are the result of these activities. 400 00:28:20.405 --> 00:28:26.340 I am sure that major mutual interests will set things right. 401 00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:33.165 Of course, there may be nuances, and it might leave a bad aftertaste, 402 00:28:33.165 --> 00:28:38.012 but still things will fall into place eventually. 403 00:28:38.012 --> 00:28:44.639 By the same token, I am sure, we will eventually be able to return 404 00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:51.761 to normal state-to-state relations in the interests of both the peoples 405 00:28:51.761 --> 00:28:57.499 of Europe and the peoples of Russia and the United States, 406 00:28:57.499 --> 00:29:02.840 which will contribute to advancing the global economy, 407 00:29:02.840 --> 00:29:09.072 stabilising the international situation and providing security. 408 00:29:09.072 --> 00:29:11.050 Thank you very much. 409 00:29:11.050 --> 00:29:12.040 Thank you.