Work on new EU-Russia basic agreement stopped in spite of interests of European nations - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. June 24 (Interfax) - Europe is interested in drafting the EU-Russia basic agreement no less than Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"The 20th anniversary of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) [between Russia and the European Union] falls on a difficult stage in relations between Russia and the EU, whose actions cast doubt on the strategic character of our partnership. The EU decision to refuse further work on new EU-Russia basic agreement aimed to substitute the PCA is regrettable. The work on drafting the document meant to enhance mutually beneficial ties in the interests of citizens and business circles of Russia and EU members was stopped in spite of the strategic interests of European nations," the Russian Foreign Ministry posted a statement on its website.
"We assume that the PCA remains the fundamental document of relations between Russia and the EU. Up until today the partnership and cooperation principles stipulated in the agreement remain a guide for building cooperation between Russia and the EU, including amid the crisis settlement in Ukraine," the document said.
