The Russian prime minister Dimitri Medvedev’s state visit to Luxembourg had a difficult backdrop, given the tense relations between the EU and Russia since its annexation of Crimea. However, Bettel confirmed that the two discussed everything, including delicate subjects.
His Russian counterpart agreed that their talks had been very constructive during his first visit to Luxembourg.
The two prime ministers had previously met four times, the first time being in 2015. Medvedev said that he considered Xavier Bettel a good mediator.
When asked about the statement of the US ambassador, Dimitri Medvedev dismissed it lightly, saying the person whose name he could not recall “should have the basis of a democracy explained to them alongside the concept of national sovereignty.”
However, faced with journalists’ more critical questions, the Russian prime minister seemed less amused. When asked about whether Russia had gotten involved in the European elections, he said that the elections had not yet taken place, but already people were acting suspicious of Russia. Seemingly irritated, he spoke of paranoia and asked if there was any proof of that accusation.
Xavier Bettel spoke of the tensions between the EU and Russia, claiming these would ultimately lead to losses on both fronts, albeit Medvedev interjected that this was not the case with non-EU countries.
Broadly, the visit was dominated by positives tones and a good atmosphere. Luxembourg remains the fifth largest investor in Russia. On Wednesday, the talks revealed there would be potential for growth in this domain. The two prime ministers signed treaties, one a cultural one and the other concerning the modernisation of their economies.
Findel, historic city centre, the palace: The Russian Prime Minister’s visit in pictures
FOTOGALERIE: D’Fotoe vum 2. Dag zu Lëtzebuerg
Update - Russian visitor: Xavier Bettel welcomes Dimitri Medwedew at Findel aiport
Russian visitor: US diplomats are putting Luxembourg under pressure over visit by Russian PM Medvedev
