Medvedev: Russia to cooperate with friendly nations

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-13 09:29

MOSCOW -- Russia will develop cooperation with friendly countries in all areas even if some people do not like it, President Dmitry Medvedev said Friday.

"We are interested in stable relations with all our neighbors without exception, even with those whose relations with us are far from simple," Medvedev said at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

"There are many countries with governments in power with which we have friendly relations. And if they think that we should be improving our relations in the economy or defense, we will not refuse them," he was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

The world is multipolar, Medvedev said, "If someone does not like it, what can be done? We dislike many things, too."

The Russian president said the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States were comparable to Georgia's military action against its breakaway region of South Ossetia in August.

"The world has changed after Aug. 8. It came to my mind that for Russia Aug. 8 is the same as 9/11 for the United States. At least it is absolutely definitely applicable to the Russian reality," he said.

Medvedev also dismissed speculation that his country would not have enough natural gas for European consumers and vowed to develop new fields if the demand grows.

"It's amusing when you read or hear that Russia hasn't got enough gas for Europe, let alone Asia. Russia is the biggest gas power. And, if needed, we will put new fields on stream, make no mistake," he said.