Following the talks, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk held a joint news conference.Part 2
01.09.2009
По итогам переговоров Председатель Правительства Российской Федерации В.В.Путин и Председатель Совета Министров Республики Польша Д.Туск провели совместную пресс-конференцию.
01.09.2009
Vladimir Putin's introductory speech:
At the beginning of our meeting, and just now Mr Prime Minister mentioned that Poland is doing well economically despite the global crisis. But this in no way means that we should not counter current challenges together. Their number exceeds by far the threats of the global financial and economic crisis. It is clear that we should join our efforts to overcome the current problems, and to avoid difficulties in the future.
We have done much in the trade and economic sphere in the last two years. We have reached record trade. As I mentioned at the beginning of our meeting, Russia has become Poland's second largest trade and economic partner after the Federal Republic of Germany. However, we understand that this is not enough.
It goes without saying that we will discuss our trade and economic contacts at this meeting. This applies not only to energy, a major component of our cooperation, but also transportation, high technologies, innovation, and mutual investment.
I believe that Russia and Poland will do everything to build our relations on the basis of pragmatism and mutual respect.
Thank you for your attention.
Question: A question for Prime Minister Tusk regarding the energy sector. When do you think it will be possible to sign a gas contract? And with regard to historical issues - which specific resolutions of the Difficult Issues Commission will be adopted first?
Donald Tusk (as translated): Regarding gas, it is not on our agenda to state the exact hour this contract will be signed. The firms involved in this issue must sign it. I believe that for me and for our guest, it is important that any political connotation that could influence our energy cooperation must be put aside. Poland's gas purchases should not be associated with politics, but with business and appropriate economic relations. Regarding these important gas issues, we know that politicians should support these decisions.
Today we heard from our guest that the declaration we heard about during our meeting with the premier in Switzerland, remains topical. And the technical issues that could be potential obstacles to signing the agreement must be resolved by the companies involved, and Prime Minister Putin and I would only like to facilitate this.
Sure, the clock is ticking. It is important for both sides that the contract be signed as soon as possible. This will happen most likely in early autumn.
Regarding the Difficult Issues Commission's recommendations, today I started my press conference by mentioning this. Because we know how important it is to come to terms on issues that now frequently divide Poles and Russians with regard to historical events. There are varying interpretations and versions. This is not only an issue for Russia and Poland. In many cases, the national versions of World War II events are divergent.
Prime Minister Putin and I agreed to a very important concept today - we created this group of experts and we must follow the recommendations of this group within the process that has been initiated. The agreement between Prime Ministers was important for establishing two Russian-Polish institutes both in Russia and in Poland to provide a mutual understanding on matters concerning Katyn, as well as on other events in Polish-Russian history.
We hold that this is an important practical step that will, among other things, tone down the political impact of these issues. I am pleased that Prime Minister Putin agrees with our recommendations and intentions.
Question: Good afternoon, I have a question for both prime ministers. This is your third meeting within the past year and a half. Last year, Mr Tusk paid a visit to Moscow, then you met at the Davos Forum, and now the Russian delegation is visiting Poland. Could one say that bilateral relations are thawing after a somewhat tense period? No high-ranking Russian officials have visited Poland since 2005, yet it is clear that bilateral talks have been revitalised recently. How have Russian-Polish relations changed within the past year and a half, in your opinion?
I've got one more question to Mr Tusk, if you don't mind. Did you discuss the construction of the Nord Stream pipeline, and what's Poland's stand on this issue? Thank you.
http://www.government.ru
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В.Путин.Д.Туск.Пресс-конференция.01.09.09.Part 1by niknikolay4,125 views
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