As part of an exclusive new addition to the Westminster Russia Forum we are proud to launch our monthly Interview! We will be interviewing Ambassadors of the CIS, US and elsewhere as well as MP’s and those directly involved in UK Russia bilateral ties. We are very grateful to H.E. Alexander Vladimirovich Yakovenko – Russia’s Ambassador to the UK for his time and taking part in our new initiative! We submitted a number of written questions to which we received all answered.
Question. Geopolitics aside how would you summarise the state of contemporary UK-Russian political and interparliamentary ties?
Answer. The recent visit by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to Moscow once again demonstrated that our bilateral relations are not at their best. During preparations for this event we took note of hostile rhetoric of numerous British government officials followed by what we see as an organized anti-Russian campaign in the British media.
We believe that, notwithstanding any differences, our bilateral cooperation with the UK should be based on mutually respective and equal dialogue, conducted with consideration of national interests from both sides. Unfortunately, our British partners constantly try to highlight the differences and justify their point by recalling arguments about “Russian threat”.
Question. How do you predict UK-Russia bilateral ties to develop in the mediun to long term?
Answer. I would like to underline that all current problems in our bilateral relations are solvable. Despite all the difficulties, we are ready to engage with the UK in a practical and productive way, but we are not going to impose. We are free from any ideological limitations and open to discuss any suggestions on how to develop our ties. The ball is on the British side.
Moreover, our current experience of cooperation with other European states shows that it is always possible to find common ground, if both sides are interested in it. Contacts with the French authorities on counter-terrorism issues are a perfect example of such pragmatic approach
Question. With the UK leaving the EU and in some likelihood the European single market – how do you view the opportunities for UK and Russian businesses in a post Brexit era?
Answer. Russia is a strong state, which continues to develop dynamically. Currently UK Prime Minister Theresa May is actively promoting the “Global Britain” concept, urging to sign better trade deals with countries outside the EU after Brexit. Such approach can’t become a success without active engagement with Russia. By ignoring the numerous opportunities to cooperate with Russia economically, Great Britain will face difficulties while trying to benefit from respective processes in the Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS projects and the Chinese One Belt One Road Initiative as all of them have considerable Russian dimensions.
In case the UK Government decides to approach the issue of economic cooperation with Russia pragmatically, we could witness more contacts in numerous areas, such as financial technologies (including cryptocurrencies), medicine, education, innovations and high-tech.
Question.The Russian World Cup is fast approaching – what sort of opportunities can this present to improve bilateral, social and cultural ties?
Answer. As you know, the World Cup matches will take place in 11 Russian cities, 20 other cities and towns will host the teams and provide training facilities.
The World Cup will be a global celebration of football, and the Britons planning to visit Russia will have a perfect opportunity to know our country by themselves, not by simply believing the image created by the British media in the recent years. By purchasing the ticket to any game and getting a so-called “spectator’s pass” or FAN-ID, they will be able to come to Russia without a visa and stay there for almost two months.
Question. Who do you think will come out on top in the World Cup – England or Russia?
Answer. The World Cup will be a magnificent competition, with 32 best teams on the planet providing a fabulous and entertaining spectacle for millions of fans around the world. Of course, personally I will be supporting the Russian national team but at the same time hope that the England players will also make their supporters proud. I expect to see furious but fair play competition from every team, so let the best win!
