While the Western media is figuring out if Trump's mistaken by not coming to Singapore, today, Vladimir Putin actively communicated with the leaders of nearly all of the major Asian economies at the meeting and on the margins of the Russia-ASEAN Summit. The region, in which the US and China are competing for influence, is seeking a third force that could balance them both. Singapore, which is often called Asian New York, in its turn, can offer finance even to those companies that are under the Western sanctions. Denis Davydov has the details.
A formal dinner can't do without a show in Asia. Singaporeans gave a warm welcome to the leaders of over 30 countries. One can see how much the politicians themselves were happy to see each other. The social event was the end of a tough day. Lee Hsien Loong is wearily looking at his watch. He's been meeting with his colleagues from the very morning. Singaporeans are so serious about security that without allowances for the status, even presidents were asked to go through metal detectors. Vladimir Putin is on a state visit in Singapore. The first meeting with the prime minister was on the go: the host is holding two summits at once.
Vladimir Putin with prime minister of Singapore:
-How are you doing?
-I'm doing well.
-You have so many guests and a lot to do.
-To have many guests is a good thing, and we really have a lot to do.
About a thousand people have come to the Singaporean summits, including delegations and journalists. The guests are buying up these souvenir magnets "Singapore, the fine city." But the words "fine city" can also be translated as "city of fines". This is a hint. Those who litter, smoke, or eat in an inappropriate place will be punished here. There is even a fine for the water, which, after watering the flowers, God forbid, remains standing in the pot so that mosquitoes could breed. Thus, Singapore has already defeated the insects carrying malaria. Guests are strongly advised to abide by the local laws. Singaporeans adapt themselves: they've made prayer rooms in the press center, separate for Muslim women and men. They treat with national dishes, but the presidents are passing by. The schedule is too busy. Here's a photo in memory of the Russia-ASEAN Summit (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). It represents ten major economies of the region. The trade turnover between Russia and the association grew by a third last year — to over $18 billion.
Vladimir Putin: Russia will join ASEAN’s plans to create a network of smart cities. In our country, the capital city of Moscow is the leader in introducing digital technologies to the urban environment. It is already actively cooperating with Singapore on a bilateral basis. We hope that the geography of this interaction will be expanded by both parties.
Journalists called this week in Asia a summit festival: ASEAN, APEC, East Asia. Russia and China — the largest regional players — are represented by their top officials. Washington confined itself to a vice president. Michael Pence represents the US in Singapore. The overseas press believes Trump's absence is a miscalculation by his administration. There's a long article in the Washington Post, whose headline looks like an accusation, "With Trump absent, China and Russia to take center stage at Asia-Pacific summits." The protocol service of the Russian delegation only manages to change the flags in the meeting room. We can see Vladimir Putin heading to another meeting. He has a meeting with the prime minister of Japan. This is the third meeting of Putin and Abe this year.
Vladimir Putin: I’m glad to have the opportunity to discuss with you all areas of our cooperation, including those that you considered being priorities. We're also going to meet at the G20, further contacts have been also planned.
Shinzō Abe, Prime Minister of Japan: Today, we don't have much time to talk but we hope to discuss not only bilateral economic issues but global affairs as well. I would also like to discuss the issue of a peace treaty.
There has never been a peace treaty between Moscow and Tokyo since the end of WWII. Good neighbor relations are based on the declaration that the USSR and Japan adopted in 1956. The then-foreign ministers signed it. They agreed to negotiate a peace treaty. They recalled that very document at the talks today.
Dmitry Peskov, Spokesman for Vladimir Putin: Following the results of the conversation, Putin and Abe agreed that Russia and Japan will intensify the negotiation process on a peace treaty based on the Soviet-Japanese declaration of 1956.
And here's the delegation from Thailand. They have brought the Russian nesting dolls, some even put on a Russian folk shawl.
Vladimir Putin: Our relations are developing quite positively. The number of tourists coming to Thailand from Russia proves it. According to our data, our tourists have spent approximately $2 billion in Thailand this year.
The Russian president and his South Korean counterpart discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula, among other things. A number of agreements were concluded with Singapore today.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund: The total investments from Singapore to Russia have exceeded $17 billion. This is a very significant figure. We see further opportunities for an increase in investments.
Tomorrow will be the last day of the Russian delegation's work in Singapore. Vladimir Putin will take part in the East Asia Summit.
Denis Davydov, Anastasiya Sakhovskaya, Oleg Makarov, Mikhail Artyukhin, Alexandra Terpugova, and Darya Inozemtseva for Vesti from Singapore.
