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At the summit President Putin said Russia attached great significance to the positive capabilities of the Council of Baltic Sea States for developing partnerships between Russia’s north-west and the neighbouring regions of the Baltic states.

The Baltic countries accounted for almost 25% of Russia’s foreign trade turnover. Russia’s trade turnover with those states exceeded 37 million euros. Accumulated investments approached the 9 billion euros mark, and direct investment was over 3 billion euros. The President said exploring the north, in particular its energy, mineral and biological resources, as well as creating stable and efficient transportation facilities, were the areas of cooperation with the region’s countries. He also pointed to the potential of stepping up scientific exchanges, and contact in education, sports, tourism and culture.

The President said Russia’s presidency of the Council of Baltic Sea States promoted the integration of the country into the international community and helped to define priorities of its foreign policy.

The Russian President called upon the leaders of the Council of Baltic Sea States to personally study the problem of the Kaliningrad Region and try to find a political solution to it. He said it was unacceptable to introduce visas for residents of Kaliningrad and Russians travelling to the region. He expressed hope that a solution to the Kaliningrad problem would be found, and therefore Russia’s enclave would be at the foreground in cooperation with Europe.