David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Tuesday 03 November, 2009

Moscow Thoughts

I've now finished my Moscow programme. You can see my press conference with FM Lavrov here.  We have reviewed difficult issues in bilateral relations, and discussed the whole range of international challenges on which Britain and Russia have a responsibility to work together as Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. I met NGOs, human rights defenders, businesses, politicians (and ex-politicians - President Gorbachev). And I met my remarkable great-great aunt/second cousin twice removed, Sofia.

I wanted my visit to add drive and depth to British/Russian relations. That does not mean ignoring difficult issues; but it can't mean taking out one's frustration about those issues by neglecting opportunities for joint work.

The best hope for the sort of Russia we want is serious and principled engagement. The statements we signed on Afghanistan, nuclear disarmament and non proliferation, and the Middle East show how much we have in common. We need to work together on Iran.  We have a thriving trade and investment relationship which our two governments have a strong interest in promoting. Peter Mandelson and Deputy PM Kudrin will be co-chairing our bilateral steering committee on trade and investment in London later this week.

It’s best not to have illusions. The Russians don't. Their history warns against it. But we need each other, so we’d better make it work. Today we are a step forward from yesterday.

Posted at 17:04 03 November 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[6]

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I am agree with the all. I rememder Gorbatsjov and Reagen. They have done a lot. After that people on Island were looking forward and made the Peace 2000 alliance. I am from Norway and here was Jahn Teigen made music about if we could believe in that their agreement was true. I suppose it difficult for England because of the old KGB were killed with polonium i London. The murder have not got what it is should be. Looking forward to read more from you on the commonwealth web-site. For us in Norway it is very importent to have good relationship with Russia, but it difficult when we have been waiting for more than 40-50 years to know where in the sea in the north the line between us and the Russian goes in the forture.

Posted by Jan Engseth on November 04, 2009 at 05:54 PM GMT #

Once again I am impressed with work that you are doing. Like almost in no other country you are the right man for the job . No young politician in Europe and not only has that admirable step by step background of substantial political experience with no dark spots on his career . All that you have done so far is almost flawless ! Keep up your great work !

Posted by Tatjana on November 04, 2009 at 07:18 PM GMT #

I hope some progress will be made during talks on trade and investment; especially for a bilatteral agreement between Britain and Russia on specialist or skilled workers. As the Government has excluded Britain from the EU 'Blue Card' migration scheme, I wonder what can be done to help specialist and skilled British workers, like myself, the chance to work in Russia.

Posted by Mark on November 04, 2009 at 11:42 PM GMT #

International politics is theoretically uncertain, and must be hard practically. What is needed is the awareness of possible friction and balancing the rest. As Keohane points out quoting Habermas, the “rational persuasion” might be the key to change minds but there should be good reasons. There are indeed good reasons everywhere, though, not very difficult to find.

Posted by Chamila Liyanage on November 05, 2009 at 08:34 PM GMT #

Dear David,congratulations to your outstanding report. Pls. let me start by interpreting yr. last part. I do full agree to you that the best thing at the moment is to have no illusions.For the naturally positively result is: Both,the United Kingdom and Russia have realistic expectations/estimations in re. of their partnerships. Whether if it's 'bout trade and investment or progress in the Middle East's peace efforts in case of Israel and Palestine.To me is also important,sad but fact,the alarming situation in Afghanistan and Iran.Of course, I've read the signed statements.That's why another fact is clear:The UK as well as Russia have much in common and a stronger engagement within the area of possibilities is really needed. Best wishes, Ingo-Steven Wais

Posted by Ingo-Steven Wais on November 09, 2009 at 12:02 PM GMT #

Sa called President Gorbachev was Kommunist Party's chef and ordered to kill Georgians' women. Don't forget that.

Posted by hohenloe on November 09, 2009 at 05:10 PM GMT #

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