According to Vladimir Putin, Russia was not a full-fledged member of the “eight”, as is often held separate talks between the foreign Ministers of seven countries, but, despite everything, Russia’s presence was useful.
MOSCOW, 18 Dec –. The format of “big eight” was not some useless instrument, since such meetings and discussions are always going to benefit, said the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
“Can’t say that this is some kind of useless tool. Always a very good meeting, discussion, search for joint solutions,” Putin said in an interview with German newspaper Bild, responding to a question about whether Russia to take some steps to restore the format of the “big seven” in the format of “big eight”.
“I think that Russia’s presence was nevertheless useful, because it sounded like some alternative opinions on some of the issues discussed. The same thing about we are discussing in the framework of “twenty”, APEC in the East, within the BRICS,” said the Russian leader.
Meanwhile, Putin noted that “the full member “the eights” Russia did not become”.
“We had planned to take a “figure eight” in 2014. I think, first of all, a full member “the eights” Russia did not become, because always there were some conversations between the foreign Ministers of seven countries,” he said.
“We were willing to accept and “eight” in 2014. Not that we where going to us has not arrived. If colleagues decide to come here ‒ for God’s sake, please, we will gladly accept, but we are the tickets not yet bought,” he said.
