Russia harbors no aspirations to become superpower: Putin

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia is not striving to become a superpower and only seeks to develop equal relations with other countries, President Vladimir Putin said Friday. "Russia does not claim some sort of hegemony or ephemeral superpower status," Putin told the ongoing Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum here. Moscow has started to resolutely and persistently, rather than aggressively, protect its interests, Putin said, adding that Russia "wants equitable relations with all members of the international community." While accusing Western countries of imposing their standards and models on others, Putin said Russia always proceeds with mutual respect and looks for "common solutions to common problems." Referring to Russia-U.S. relations, Putin hoped that joint efforts by both countries in fighting against common threats, like terrorism, drug trafficking and so on, could serve as the foundation for restoring the bilateral relationship. On the Ukraine crisis, Putin reiterated that not only Russia, but also Western countries should exert influence over the conflicting sides in the country, while the Minsk agreements signed in February should be fully implemented in order to settle the crisis in a peaceful and political way. As Russia has been slapped with sanctions by the West over its alleged intervention in the Ukraine crisis, Putin insisted that political pressure should not influence business and economic cooperation. Putin pointed out that the sanctions war is inflicting damage on both Russia and the West, however, he said that the Russian economy is not in a catastrophic state. In the near future, Russia could ensure an economic growth at the average global rate of about 3.5 percent, an annual labor productivity growth at 5 percent and annual inflation at 4 percent, he said. Noting that the Russian government is consistently trying to solve domestic economic problems and create a liberal and favorable business climate, Putin said Russia is ready to develop with all countries in the world on a reciprocal basis. Related: Putin vows to strengthen liberal economic climate in Russia St. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia is not going to respond to the Western sanctions by closing off its market, but on the opposite, will improve business climate with greater openness and freedom, President Vladimir Putin said Friday. "Russia will create the most possible liberal, predictable and transparent conditions for the investors," Putin told a session at the ongoing Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum here. Full story Russia, China do not form blocs against anyone: Putin St. PETERSBURG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China do not build any military-political blocs or seek "friendship against someone", President Vladimir Putin said Friday. "China and Russia are not creating any military blocs or alliances against anybody...We are in the process of building an alliance to safeguard our national interests," Putin said. Full story