We Can Discuss What We Are - Brothers or Cousins
In: International affairs: a Russian journal of world politics, diplomacy and international relations, Band 54, Heft 4, S. 159-169
ISSN: 0130-9641
Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador from the Kingdom of Spain to the Russian Federation, was invited to speak as a guest of honor at a meeting of the Five o'Clock Club, which was initiated by V. E. Churov, chairman of the Russian Federation Central Electoral Commission, as a venue for unofficial discussions of current international issues. Following an introduction by Yu. Dubinin, Ambassador March Pujol speaks first about the current bilateral relations between Spain & Russia. He believes that the present stability in Spain under President Rodriguez Zapatero & the two main parties in parliament -- the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party & the People's Party -- offers a favorable opportunity to expand relations between the two countries. He then discusses the modernization of Europe in the 21st century & what Spain & Russia can do as part of this project, particularly in terms of transport, communications, & economic development. He sees "kind of a family relationship" between Russia & Europe & suggests they discuss what they are -- "brothers or cousins?" Comments are offered & questions posed by Yu. Dubinin, E. Dubrovina, I. B. Borisov, S. Rogov, & V. Churov. Adapted from the source document.