Putin says Russia to help EU overcome economic woes

English.news.cn   2012-06-04       

        

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to give a hand to the European Union (EU) over its economic woes, President Vladimir Putin said here on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

(AFP, Kirill Kudryavtsev)

After the 29th Russia-EU summit, Putin told a press conference that Moscow believes the EU will finally overcome its difficulties.

"I agree with Mr. Van Rompuy (European Council President Herman van Rompuy) ... the outlook is optimistic, and from our side also. We are ready to facilitate this process, because we are also interested in it," Putin said.

He added that any recession in Europe would have a direct impact on the Russian economy.

"Anyway, we do not expect any serious shocks and we are capable of rapidly reacting to any developments," Putin said.

Admiting that Europe is experiencing testing time, Van Rompuy stressed "We are driven by a clear determination to work our way through the challenges."

He said there is not way back for euro, as there is "only the way ahead toward more integration."

"We want Greece to stay in the eurozone, while respecting its commitments," Van Rompuy said.

During the Russia-EU summit, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, visa-free regime, energy cooperation and hot international affairs.

Editor: Yang Lina

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