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Dialogue with the EU over the transition to the visa-free regimen is going on impermissibly slowly – Medvedev

“European partners do not always hear us," PM stated
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

DAVOS, January 23 (Itar-Tass) — The dialogue with the European Union over the transition to the visa-free regimen is going on impermissibly slowly, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at a plenary meeting of the World Economic Forum here on Wednesday.

“European partners do not always hear us. The dialogue on visas is going on for a long time and impermissibly slowly,” he underlined.

The Russian prime minister is convinced that a close integration with the EU will bring more benefits than difficulties. “Therefore, we particularly propose to pass to closer cooperation, introduce a visa-free regimen, form a common economic space, which can lay the foundations for a common market from the Atlantic to the Pacific,” Medvedev said.

Meanwhile, he stated with regret that “redundant obstacles for the efficient work are put up on vitally important markets, for instance, the energy market.” “It is particularly regretful that the current rules of the game are being changed post factum, actually the created assets are confiscated, the previous agreements are violated,” Medvedev said, after he had already criticized the third energy package in an interview with the television channel Bloomberg on Wednesday.

“Certainly, we do not oppose any changes, but it is needed that the result that will be achieved would be profitable for all sides concerned,” the premier added, noting that Russia is interested in these changes. Meanwhile, he warned that “unilateral actions lead to other consequences, it is unacceptable for Russia.”