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VTB Bank head hopes for resolution of situation with Davos forum

"If the issue is not settled, our bank's delegation will not go to Davos," VTB Bank head Andrey Kostin said

VTB Bank Andrey Kostin Sergei Bobylev/TASS

VTB Bank Andrey Kostin

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

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WEF free to determine who to invite to Davos — Swiss diplomat

PORT MORSEBY, November 17. /TASS/. The possibility of settling the issue of Russian businessmen's participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos still exists, head of VTB Bank Andrey Kostin told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

"As far as I understand, the topic is not yet closed. After Dmitry Anatolyevich [Medvedev] stated this position, I think, there is still possibility to settle the issue with participation of Russian representatives. That's why we need to wait for the final result. Our position is well-known: if the issue is not settled, our bank's delegation will not go to Davos," Kostin said.

There are other formats for communication between Russian and foreign businessmen as well, he added. "When it comes to other formats, we have an international forum in St. Petersburg which, as you know, attracts many participants from abroad, and leaders of countries.This year French President Emmanuel Macron attended, along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and leaders of other countries," Kostin said.

At the same time, he expressed regret that some businessmen may not be allowed to participate in the Davos forum.

"The forum that describes itself as international and is interested in attracting representatives who express different opinions, should not take sides, I think. It would be strange if someone's participation was restricted. However, this is up to Davos organizers, they are the ones who choose what to do. I think there is a possibility that the Davos forum [organizers] will change their minds and look at the situation from a different point of view, because we personally, together with our lawyers, did not find any legal grounds for their decision," he explained.

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