Putin: Putting too much trust in Europe over the past 15 years was a mistake

(Baonghean.vn)- On October 19, Mr. Putin said that Russia's excessive trust in Europe was a major mistake in Moscow's foreign policy over the past 15 years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's King Salman. Photo: AP

Speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi (Russia), referring to relations with Europe, Mr. Putin said that the country's excessive trust in Europe was a major mistake in Moscow's foreign policy over the past 15 years.

He stressed that it was time for this relationship to be built on mutual respect and to treat each other as equal partners.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced that his country plans to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, despite their relations with the United States.

He believes that today neither Moscow nor Riyadh have any ideological conflicts like Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union once had.

“There is nothing that would fundamentally divide us from Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region (Middle East). I have good, mostly friendly personal relations with many countries, especially with the leaders of these countries,” the Russian leader stressed.

Mr. Putin said that the latest visit of the King of Saudi Arabia to Russia was a historic visit.

“We are comfortable with the fact that these countries, including Saudi Arabia, have their own special interests, historically they have developed friendly relations with the United States. However, this will not prevent us from cooperating with Saudi Arabia,” the Russian president said.

NATO considers Russia the main security threat to this military organization. Photo: AP

According to Mr. Putin, Russia is interested in economic cooperation with Middle Eastern countries. He emphasized that Moscow, together with the member countries of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), especially with Saudi Arabia, agreed on a stance on the energy market, after which oil prices were stabilized at over $50 per barrel. We consider this a satisfactory price, and the result of joint efforts.

In addition, military and technology are also promising areas of cooperation between Moscow and Riyadh, despite the kingdom's multi-billion dollar deals with Washington.

In addition, President Putin stressed that Russia will do everything possible to contribute to the goal of reunification in Ukraine, and affirmed that bilateral relations should be restored at the appropriate time because this is an important issue for both countries.

Also in his speech, the Russian President affirmed that NATO's increased activities in Eastern European and Baltic countries do not pose any threat to Moscow./.

Lan Ha

(According to TASS)