International Economic Relations of the Russian Federation

The main priority in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation in international economic relations is to promote the development of the national economy, which in conditions of globalization, is unthinkable without broad integration of Russia in the system of world economic ties.

A priority area in Russia’s foreign policy is ensuring conformity of multilateral and bilateral cooperation with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to national security tasks of the country. Serious emphasis will be made on the development of economic cooperation, including the creation of a free trade zone and implementation of programs of joint rational use of natural resources.

Relations with European states is Russia’s traditional foreign policy priority. The main aim of Russian foreign policy in Europe is the creation of a stable and democratic system of European security and cooperation. Of key importance are relations with the European Union (EU). The ongoing processes within the EU are having a growing impact on the dynamic of the situation in Europe. These are the EU expansion, transition to a common currency, the institutional reform, and emergence of a joint foreign policy and a policy in the area of security, as well as a defense identity. The Russian Federation views the EU as one of its main political and economic partners and will strive to develop with it an intensive, stable and long-term cooperation devoid of expediency fluctuations.

Realistically assessing the role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Russia proceeds from the importance of cooperation with it in the interests of maintaining security and stability in the continent and is open to constructive interaction. The necessary basis for that was laid in the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between the Russian Federation and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on May 27, 1997.

The Russian Federation is prepared to overcome considerable latter-day difficulties in relations with the U.S., and to preserve the infrastructure of Russian-American cooperation. Despite the presence of serious, and in a number of cases, fundamental differences, Russian-American interaction is the necessary condition for the amelioration of the international situation and achievement of global strategic stability. It is in our mutual interests to maintain regular bilateral contacts at all levels, not allowing pauses in relations and setback in the negotiating processes on the main political, military and economic matters.

Asia enjoys a steadily growing importance in the context of the entire foreign policy of the Russian Federation. The emphasis will be on the invigoration of Russia’s participation in the main integration structures of the Asia-Pacific Region-the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the regional forum on security of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Shanghai Five (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Tajikistan), in whose creation Russia played an active role. One of the crucial directions in the Russian foreign policy in Asia is developing friendly relations with the leading Asian states, primarily with China and India.

Russia will work to stabilize the situation in the Middle East, including the Persian Gulf zone and Northern Africa, taking into account the impact which the situation in the region has on the situation the world over. Based on its status as a co-sponsor of the peace process, Russia intends to pursue an active participation in the normalization of the post-crisis situation in the region. It is also necessary to develop a political dialogue with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and with sub-regional organizations and to use their capabilities for enabling Russia to join multilateral economic projects in the continent.

Exercise 4.Decide whether the following statements are true or false.

1. Special attention will be made on the development of economic cooperation with the CIS. 2. The Russian Federation views the EU as one of its main political and economic opponents. 3. Russia will work to stabilize the situation in the European Union. 4. Russian-American interaction is the necessary condition for the improvement of the international situation. 5. It is hardly ever necessary to develop a political dialogue with the Organization of African Unity.

Exercise 5.Answer the following questions.

1. What is the main priority in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation? 2. What emphasis will be made to improve Russian-CIS cooperation? 3. What is the main aim of Russian foreign policy in Europe? 4. What are the ongoing processes within the EU having a growing impact on the dynamic of the situation in Europe? 5. What was made between the Russian Federation and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1997? 6. What is mutual interest between the Russian Federation and the US? 7. What does Russia intend to do based on its status as a co-sponsor of the peace process in the Middle East? 8. How does the Russian Federation view the EU? 9. Is it necessary for Russia according to its foreign policy in Asia to develop friendly relations with China and India? 10. What role did Russia play in the Asia-Pacific Region?

Exercise 6.Now read and translate the text on the foreign relations of the UK. Use the dictionary when necessary.

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 1784