During the meeting, St. Petersburg Governor noted the high level of collaboration with European partners in the economic sector. Thus, following the results of the first half of 2017, the trade turnover of St. Petersburg with EU countries was $8.9 bln, which was 22% higher than the number for the same period of the last year.
Georgy Poltavchenko also stated, that regular contacts in the area of science and culture were developed, and investment cooperation and communication with partner cities were maintained (recently St. Petersburg delegation had paid visits to Turku and Hamburg). It was noted that preferences and various support measures for the investors in St. Petersburg are fully covered by the legislation, which provides foreign partners with guarantees of sustainable operation.
“We also pursue a consistent policy for establishing relationships with Europe to collaborate on addressing such burning issues as dealing with terrorism and organized crime, illegal migration and the spread of illegal drugs,” Georgy Poltavchenko said.
M. Ederer, European Union Ambassador to the Russian Federation, thanked Governor Georgy Poltavchenko for the warm welcome. He also said that he was very pleased to visit St. Petersburg a week after presenting his credentials in the Kremlin. According to M. Ederer, his mission is Moscow involves developing the relationships between Russia and the EU. “I see the potential in collaboration within the areas, in which the interests of the parties overlap,” said European Union Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Besides the trade and economic relationship, M. Ederer emphasized the active students exchange and bilateral tourism. Thus, according to European Union Ambassador to the Russian Federation, most visas to EU countries are issued in Russia. Successful cooperation in the field of environmental protection was also noted, and the launch of Northern Aeration Station was mentioned as an example.
M. Ederer confirmed that he considered St. Petersburg as the Russian gateway to Europe. He said that St. Petersburg rates second among the Russian regions that are of interest to European businesses.
The parties agreed that from now on it is necessary to join efforts in strengthening comprehensive cooperation.
St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko invited European Union Ambassador to the Russian Federation M. Ederer to take part in major international events held in St. Petersburg, – the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the St. Petersburg International Innovation Forum, and the St. Petersburg Partnership for SME ‘St. Petersburg. Regions of Russia and Foreign Countries’.