RIA Novosti interview with Javier Solana, the European Union’s High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Questions from RIA Novosti’s Alexander Shishlo.
Q. What are your expectations for the EU-Russia summit in Sochi?
A. The summit will be an opportunity to further develop our partnership, which is an important one. My expectations for the summit in Sochi are for a very positive dialogue which will be part of the deepening relationship with our Russian friends.
Q. What is your view on prospects for EU-Russia relations in the short and medium term?
A. The relationship between the EU and Russia rests on shared values and shared interests and we look forward to developing these as we form closer ties with a partner, Russia, which is of great strategic importance to us. Our relations at present are governed by our Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which will be ten years old next year. A great deal has changed in the EU and in Russia over the past decade and we need to update our Agreement to reflect these changes and define a new vision for the future.
Q. Does cooperation in the energy sector have the dominating value for the EU in relations with Russia?
A. Energy will certainly be on the agenda for our discussions at the Summit. Cooperation in the energy sector is important. For the EU, energy cooperation is a natural part of foreign and security policy which we discuss with key partners. Russia's role as a major energy supplier to the EU is important and the EU's role as Russia's major export market for energy is important.
We want closer cooperation with Russia on energy, in order to ensure reliable supplies - consumer security - and a stable basis for our economic cooperation. We believe this is best achieved through transparency, openness to competition and equal access to investment, markets and infrastructure, as well as good cooperation on the environment. Energy should be a factor for stability and integration on the European continent.
