MOSCOW /Sputnik
Russia is interested in developing relations with countries that respect its independence, declared Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian leader made this statement at a press conference held at the end of the 16th BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan.
“Strengthening our sovereignty and independence in the economy, in finance, in military matters means increasing our security, (…) creating the conditions for our secure development in the future as an independent, full-fledged and self-sufficient State with partners , like those we have in the BRICS, who respect the independence of Russia, respect our traditions and those we treat in the same way,” Putin said.
The president emphasized that Russia cannot exist if it loses its sovereignty.
In this context he recalled that the West wanted to make Russia become one of the “secondary states, which fulfill only the function of raw material appendages, with the loss of sovereignty.”
Putin and Arce meet at BRICS summit
Putin met with his Bolivian counterpart, Luis Arce, on the sidelines of the XVI Summit of the BRICS Group in the Russian city of Kazan.
“Russian-Bolivian cooperation is based on good traditions of friendship and mutual respect. Bilateral ties are constantly developing in various spheres, including politics, economics, trade, education and culture,” Putin said.
According to the Russian president, both countries “have consistent positions on the basic principles of world order” and work together at the UN.
#Putin #highlights #Russia #seeks #develop #relations #states #respect #independence
