Commenting on the recently announced India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that it poses no obstacle to Russia and added that it holds advantages for the country, TASS reported.
The United States recently entered into a partnership with the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and India to establish a new economic corridor. However, Putin, addressing the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), emphasized that the project ultimately serves Russia's interests. He highlighted that the IMEC would bolster Russia's logistics capabilities, emphasizing that this initiative had been under deliberation for several years.
Putin's remarks followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union collaborated on the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Speaking at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin stated, "I believe that this will only benefit us. I believe that this will only help us develop logistics. Firstly, this project has been discussed for a long time, for several years."
While acknowledging the late entry of the United States into the project, Putin expressed skepticism about its substantial benefits for the US, aside from potential business interests. He emphasized that the increased flow of goods along this corridor complements Russia's North-South project and does not present any hindrance to Russia.
Putin also commented on the International North-South Transport Corridor, which aims to connect Russia to India's western ports via Iran.
Furthermore, during the EEF Forum, Putin commented on the US prosecution of former President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election, characterizing it as a manifestation of the "rottenness" of the American system and an unjust political campaign.
Addressing the plenary meeting of the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin remarked, "For us, what is happening [in the United States], in today's conditions, in my opinion, is good.”
He criticized the US political system, stating, "It shows the rottenness of the American political system, which cannot pretend to teach others about democracy."
Putin asserted that the actions against Trump amounted to political persecution. He stated, “Everything that is happening with Trump is persecution of his political rival for political reasons, that's what it is."
Regarding the upcoming US elections in 2024, Putin expressed doubt that they would significantly affect Washington's stance towards Russia. He highlighted the US tendency to exert pressure on its allies and partners, emphasizing that the US prioritizes its interests over friendships.
In discussing US policy at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin remarked, "They crush their allies, their partners, they have no friends, they only have interests. This is a continuation of the well-known British formula."
In August, a federal judge set the trial date for former US President Donald Trump, scheduling it to begin on March 4, 2024, where he faces charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, as reported by CNN. This date aligns closely with the voting day in several US states, including California and Texas.
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