When explaining the recent intensive diplomatic activities of Putin, Russian President Press Secretary Peskov said that this aspect is due to a complicated geopolitical situation. On the one hand, Russia hopes to implement the domestic policy for Russia through the development of equality and mutual benefit relations with other countries. Economic and social development plans create a good environment.

In addition, opposition to U.S. trade protectionism, especially the “steel-aluminum tariffs” is a common urgent task for both Russia and Europe. Putin said in a welcome letter published on the official website of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that one of the tasks of the forum is to discuss how to enhance global economic stability and improve economic efficiency. To achieve this goal, it cannot be allowed in multilateral trade and investment fields. To artificially set obstacles and improve the level of mutual trust in the implementation of large-scale joint projects, Russia is open to such partnerships.

In 2017, Russia is the EU’s fourth largest trading partner and the EU is Russia’s largest trading partner. Russia is an important energy supplier to the EU and the main export market for EU machinery and equipment. If it is not affected by the anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the United States, the cooperation between Russian and European companies in the fields of investment, finance, and energy will be significantly expanded.