Putin Headlines World Energy Forum; Weighs in on Global and Domestic Questions
The fates of the world's power economy were being decided today in Russia. Moscow hosted heads of hundreds of the planet's largest companies that in one way or another are connected to this field. The central figure is the president of Russia, a country that drills the most oil, exports the most natural gas, and builds the best nuclear power plants.
And of course, where there's big money, there's big politics. That's why today Vladimir Putin didn't only get questions about the future of electric vehicles, but also about the upcoming elections, about relations with the US, and about what should be done with North Korea. Denis Davidov is reporting.
- Is it possible for us to imagine that you will ever be behind the wheel of a car produced by Elon Musk?
Vladimir Putin: "Why not? We buy and sell. And we buy all that's useful for us, and sell all that's profitable. There's nothing special here. Do you think we'll only ride in a wagon? We already don't ride in a wagon. Or tanks maybe? Tanks are good choice".
The moderator, an American reporter, used the opportunity to take the conversation away from global energy to geopolitics. The questions are on the burning issue of North Korea and Donald Trump: "President Trump uses very provocative wording regarding North Korea. He threatens to destroy North Korea. Many believe that as far as the US policy towards North Korea is concerned, it's chaos. What do you think about President Trump's approach?"
Vladimir Putin: "You're an American, you understand better and you know better than me what one needs to think... about your President's policies..."
- Here I'm completely neutral.
Vladimir Putin: "Such people exist? You're the first person I see of such characteristic. But in any case, it's none of my business to classify and judge the policy of the President of the United States. But publicly I've already said this, there's no secret here. I can only repeat what I've said. The rhetoric on all sides needs to be lowered. Look, in 2001, I believe it was in 2001 on my way to Japan. I was in North Korea and met with the father of the current leader. He told me way back then that they have an atomic bomb. He did. And moreover he said that using fairly simple simple and plain artillery systems we can easily reach Seoul. This was when? In 2001. It's now 2017, the country lives under continuous sanctions, and instead of the atomic bomb, they now have a hydrogen one. Instead of simple artillery systems they have mid-range missiles. What changed? Is that really the approach that's capable of solving a problem? Of course not. We spoke about this with President Trump during our meeting. I understand that everything going on in North Korea is annoying, I get that. We condemn the actions of North Korea targeted at disrupting the resolutions of the UN Security Council. But we think that a different path needs to be chosen".
One of the most substantial delegations is from Saudi Arabia. That's because today for the first time in history the King of this Middle Eastern state is arriving in Moscow. The bilateral relations are currently on an evident rise, and the American journalist can't ignore this.
- Let's agree that inarguably the main ally of Saudi Arabia will always remain the US. Does it bother you that Saudi Arabia may simply be using you?
Vladimir Putin: "You said "will always remain". Is there anything absolutely constant in the world? It seems to me, conversely, everything always changes. As for Saudi Arabia, several decades ago we had relations, but they we very casual. Now they have substantially changed. Yes, we have our differences. We have different visions of how to effectively solve various problems. But you know what's our advantage? And not just concerning Saudi Arabia? But also with many other countries from the region. I'll tell you, and you may or may not believe me. Or you may ask our partners. Our advantage is that we never play a double game with anyone. We're always honest when dealing with our partners. We openly declare our position. If we disagree with something, we say so directly that our position is such, we also acknowledge your position take it into consideration, and respect it. But we will act like this and like this. With this approach we have a great advantage because we're predictable. As opposed to many other countries. In my opinion it's specifically this, and not our military potential attracts our partners to developing relations with the Russian Federation".
After a while the conversation began resembling an interview. John Fraher went down the list of all international policy questions. The Russian President tried to bring his partner back to the forum platform with an anecdote.
Vladimir Putin: «A young soldier gets asked: "What do you do if you're faced with 20 armed terrorists?" I'll take an Uzi and shoot. Good. And what if you're attacked with tanks? I'll take a grenade launcher and defend myself. Good. And what if there are planes flying, tanks approaching, and terrorists on the attack? He says: "General, Sir, am I the only one fighting in our army?" I wanted to ask, am I the only one on this podium?».
But the moderator did ask one more question: "Have you already decided on your election opponent? Everyone is trying to figure it out".
Vladimir Putin: "Not only have I not decided on my opponent, I haven't decided if I'll run altogether. By law, in late November — early December candidates must announce their presidential campaigns. I think that by this time, the major candidates will publicly announce their intentions, make it known, and proclaim their election agendas".