Minister: Russia in mood of cooperation, not retaliatory measures

NEW YORK, Oct 27 (PRIME) -- Development of retaliatory measures to new possible U.S. sanctions is unconstructive, Russia is in the mood for business cooperation, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told PRIME on Friday.

“You know it is not a gratifying experience to develop retaliatory steps constantly. We are first of all interested in the development of relations and business,” he said.

On Thursday, the New York Times daily published a list of Russian-connected entities that were put forward by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for further sanctions following the country’s activities in Eastern Europe and its meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The list comprises the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Stuff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU) and 33 companies including Rostec, Rosoboronexport, Russian Helicopters, Sukhoi Aviation Holding Company, United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation.

Manturov said that Russian companies have adapted to the sanctions environment and there is no news on the list.

“As to the list, the list of companies that was published recently, (these companies) have been there for a long time, in fact. This is no big news for us,” he said.

Russia cannot prevent new sanctions against its entities, but expects a reasonable approach of the U.S. administration, Manturov also said.

He added that the restrictions are more harmful for U.S. companies than for Russian firms, and suggested that U.S. firms can use support from the Russian government as residents of special economic zones and industrial parks and participants of special investment contracts.

The official also said that he has had “very positive” meetings with top managers of Boeing and Ford.

In August, Trump signed a bill introducing additional sanctions against Russia among several other states. The bill prohibits companies from investing more than U.S. $1 million in a single payment or more than $5 million during the course of a year in construction of Russian export pipelines, as well as provision of goods, services, technologies and information support for the construction.

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