A Russian diplomat denies rumors about Russia’s intention to withdraw from the European Council
The permanent representative of Russia to the European Council, Ivan Soltanovsky, said on Sunday, that the rumors about his country’s imminent withdrawal from the European Council are an unfounded rumor, adding that after 25 years of his country’s accession to the Council, it is actively working to enhance cooperation with him and with its member states.
“The media are constantly spreading rumors, without any real basis, that Russia will soon withdraw from the European Council,” Soltanovsky said. Such escalation in attitudes does not serve the common goals.
He added: “Despite the pandemic, and contrary to what those who hate the Russians desire, we continue to work fully, to defend Russian national interests, despite the significantly increasing pressure on our country, including through European international platforms”.
He said that there is great potential for cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, environment and biotechnology, which are areas that have witnessed “the accumulation of a large amount of expertise”.
