Bilateral ties between states key to tackling economic problems - Medvedev
ST. PETERSBURG. June 18 (Interfax) - There are evident signs of recovery in the global economy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.
"The world economy has started to recover. And, despite continuing tensions in certain regions, the number of those who are optimistic about economic recovery has increased," Medvedev said at a meeting with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg economic forum on Friday.
The Russian president said he hoped that this would influence business relations between Russia and Macedonia as well.
Commenting on the situation in Europe, Medvedev said "the question is to what extent decisions made by politicians in a number of European states will be successful and consistent, as well as to what extent they will be able to follow recommendations given by the European Commission."
"This is a complex issue," he added.
Bilateral relations between countries are particularly important today "because they help deal with problems emerging in the global economy," the Russian leader said.
Medvedev said he would like to discuss ways to promote bilateral trade with the president of Macedonia.
"Trade between our states has grown in recent months. I hope that it will continue growing not only thanks to higher energy prices," he said.
"We will have to discuss energy problems as well," Medvedev said.