All news

Embassy of France confirms closing of trade representation in Russia from July 16

The decision was taken due to worsened conditions for work of this service, the Embassy said

MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. French authorities made a decision to close its trade and investments representation in Russia from Monday, the Embassy of France in Moscow said on its website.

"French authorities made a decision to close the Service of the Embassy of France that supported operations of Business France in Russia," the Embassy says. "This decision that comes into force on July 16, 2018, was made in connection with notification of Russian government authorities that Business France is not authorized anymore to act in Russia within the framework of provisions of French legislation, ending the lengthy period of negotiations on the status of the Business France Bureau in Russia, which is an integral part of the diplomatic mission under laws of France," the Embassy notes.

The decision was taken due to worsened conditions for work of this Service, the Embassy of France reports.

"Operating conditions for Business France in Russia deteriorated substantially in recent months, particularly in connection with illegal arrests on its bank account, although it is protected by the Vienna Convention, and with ousting of its director bearing the diplomatic passport. To all appearances, local conditions do not make possible for Business France to implement tasks of the government service on support of French enterprises in the territory of the Russian Federation," the Embassy says.

Business France will continue working in Russia but with support from "nongovernment partners operating in Russia in order to ensure succession of services the French governments intends to provide to them,’ the diplomatic mission adds.