Interview of H.E.Mr.Gennady Tarasov,

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the State of Israel,

to the Diplomatic Club Magazine

(October, 2006)

- What were the outcomes of President Putin’s visit to Israel in April, 2005 for the Russian-Israeli cooperation? What were the main achievements?

I will not exaggerate if I call President Putin’s visit to Israel “historic”. It opened up a new chapter in the relations between our countries which mark this year the 15^th anniversary of their resumption. It was the first visit ever by the President of Russia to Israel, and as such it carried an important political message: both states and their leaders strongly wish to develop bilateral relations in various fields.

In practical terms, the visit helped to strengthen the relationship and mutual understanding between our countries. The Joint Russian-Israeli Declaration which was signed during the visit reflects the similarity of the two countries’ positions on many outstanding issues. In particular, both sides reaffirmed the intention to cooperate in the fight against modern challenges and threats, including the proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as to combat racism, discrimination and intolerance. They also expressed their commitment to continue efforts in order to achieve lasting and comprehensive peace in the region – to name just a few.

In the course of President Putin’s visit the leaders discussed the possibilities of further enhancing our political dialogue, economic cooperation, interaction in the sphere of security as well as humanitarian ties. It was agreed to broaden the legal framework of bilateral relations by signing a number of intergovernmental agreements, among them on protection and encouragement of investment, on joint exploration of outer space, on facilitating travel exchange between the citizens of our countries. As for the cultural sphere, the proposal of President Putin to open a Russian culture and science centre in Israel is now close to its practical realization.

 We hope that the visit of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Moscow in mid-October will assist the advancement of cooperation on all these avenues.

-  What are the most important spheres of the Russian-Israeli economic/trade relationship?

We are satisfied with the dynamics and trends of the economic cooperation between our countries. It is enough to remember that at the beginning of the 1990s our relations were almost at a zero point with the trade turnover of only $12 million. Now, according to the data provided by the Israeli Bureau of Statistics, it has reached $1,5 billion. Russia and Israel successfully cooperate in the energy and transportation sectors, telecommunications, diamond industry, agriculture, medicine and many other spheres.

In our view, the level of our economic interaction is not bad but still insufficient. It is clear that the volume of cooperation can and must be upgraded. The best way is to increase the share of processed products and hi-tech in it. Energy supplies from Russia and closer cooperation in infrastructural projects would also be a significant booster.

A practical step in order to enhance the bilateral trade was made in May, 2006 during the visit of the delegation of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Israel. It signed the Agreement on cooperation and partnership with the Federation of the Israeli Economic Organizations which provides for joint study of business developments in Russia and Israel, the exchange of relevant economic and legal information, encouragement of investments etc. According to expert estimates the bilateral trade can grow to $5 billion by 2010.

- How does Russia view the development of the peace process between Israel, the Palestinians and Israel’s immediate neighbours?

We regard the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as pivotal to the future of the Middle East. It is obvious that this conflict continues to be a breeding ground for violence and extremism, engendering ever new hot spots of tension in the region and beyond.

Over the last years the Middle East peace process has been dealt serious blows, but, in our view, the situation is not hopeless. On the contrary – it demands more vigorous efforts. We believe that there are genuine opportunities to find a lasting political solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The basis for concerted actions is well known: the principle of two states for two peoples, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Road Map accepted by both parties. Russia supports the dialogue between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PNA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas which can become a first step in order to advance the peace process on the Palestinian track. To create necessary conditions for that the sides should take concrete measures of humanitarian character – in the first place release the abducted Israeli soldier and Palestinian prisoners.

By the same token, as the recent flare-up in Lebanon clearly showed, there is an urgent need to resume negotiations on all tracks that could lead to a comprehensive settlement. The practical implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon remains at the top of the international agenda. The deployment of the Lebanese Army and the enhanced UNIFIL in South Lebanon shows clear signs of progress. Yet the situation remains somewhat precarious. Both sides must exercise utmost restraint and firmly commit themselves to the successful implementation of this Resolution. The Syrian track can also be activated. Our contacts with Damascus show that it is interested in genuine peace in the region.

Russia views positively the Arab League initiative which may open the way to a comprehensive and lasting settlement in the Middle East which will bring peace, security and stability to Israel and all its neighbours. As a member of the Quartet we stand ready to assist this goal in every possible manner.

- How does Russia’s increasingly important role as supplier of oil and gas to the world influence the dynamics of international relations?

Russia's unique geographical position, the sheer size of its energy resources, the existing industrial infrastructure and technological level of its fuel and energy sector provide a solid basis for continued strengthening of our role as a global player. The International Energy Agency forecasts the world demand for energy to rise by one third by the year 2015 – that is in less than 10 years from now. Nearly 80% of oil will be supplied by only three regions – the Gulf, the Caspian basin and Russia, which is number two in the world oil supplies after Saudi Arabia and number one in gas. It is not by chance that one of the leading topics of Russia’s current chairmanship in G-8 is to ensure the security of global energy supplies. Naturally, this state of affairs leads to the growing role of Russia in overall global politics.

I would like to emphasize that our policy is and will be balanced. We are confident that the growing cooperation in the energy sphere will help to focus the international community on the need to respect mutual interests and search for compromises. In a word, multilateral diplomacy and diplomacy in general will only benefit from this.

-  How will tourism grow between Russia and Israel?

I am sure that tourism between Russia and Israel will grow due to both countries’ significant potential in this sphere. The trend is quite clear: according to the Israeli data, 68 000 Russian tourists visited Israel in 2005, that is 23% more than in 2004. In addition to the usual recreation tourism religious and medical visits are also becoming popular in our country. In general, high standards of resorts and recreation facilities in Israel attract here more and more of our people. There is also a good perspective for increasing the number of Israeli tourists to Russia: last year 25 000 Israelis chose our country as their destination. To further promote and encourage tourist exchanges both sides study the possibilities to simplify visa procedures.