Sergei Naryshkin is convinced that the rapprochement between Russia and European nations will take place. "We will not only manage to restore cooperation but will bring it to a whole new level, for after everything that has happened it will be valued," he said.
He told the newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Monday: "Russia is a natural ally to all countries in Europe. In our consultations on an inter-parliamentary level, we will work together to find firmer foundations for our further co-operation."
EU must involve Russia more in decisions and stop alienating a possible ally. It is obvious that sanctions do not work. Cooperation is best.
— Nina Rachet (@NinaRachet) May 18, 2015
Speaking of the current sanctions regime between Russia and the European Union over Ukraine, he said this was a temporary hiatus in Russo-European relations. The anti-Russian policies, orchestrated from across the Atlantic, are a prime example, according to the lawmaker. The Ukrainian crisis is another point of contention.
"The US is trying to oust Russia from its traditional geopolitical trade and economic space and take our place."
"We see that Washington's pressure seriously hampers the formation of pan-European space along the West-East line from Lisbon to Vladivostok," he said.
"This is not the first 'cold snap' [between Russia and Europe] and thaws by definition do not last long. So if the talks on the new integration process will not lead to firm guarantees that Russia would be treated with respect and in the spirit of equality, we will not try to persuade anyone," Naryshkin said.
Russia has always had loyal strategic partners, Naryshkin emphasized. "The country will find a way to add new names to this list," he said, adding that the European Union should not miss the opportunity to send clear signals if it seeks honest and equal partnership with Russia.
