Australian leaders created exclusively friendly atmosphere at G20 summit - Putin
MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Talks with Western partners at a G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia, proceeded in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, said President Vladimir Putin.
"I was informed about statements made by my Australian counterpart, and how the media covered all that, but in practice, nothing of this kind was happening. The Australian partners created an exclusively well-meaning atmosphere for work, cordial and encouraging search for solutions to problems facing the global economy," Putin said at the Russian Popular Front's Action Forum.
Putin said he was "surprised by the warm reception accorded to the Russian delegation by ordinary people on the streets. I really don't know how this can be explained. We were welcomed with applause and warm attention. It was a very friendly reception. I am so grateful to them. It's pleasant to work in such an atmosphere," he said.
"As to my colleague's belligerent statements, perhaps it's part of the political culture. They induce strain in a way. But otherwise, nothing of this kind was happening. We constructively discussed the problems which had brought all of us together, as well as the circumstances of the Malaysian Boeing's crash. It was a committed and constructive discussion, which was not only within the boundaries of decency, but quite friendly," Putin said.
Concerning the discussion, "it was rather professional and never went beyond the proposed agenda," Putin said.
