The Kremlin thinks it impossible to speak about the revival of the Group of Eight format without consensus of all the Group of Seven nations on that matter, Russia president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
"Obviously, it is impossible to return to the G7 at the invitation of only one of its nations because all decisions within that format are taken by consensus," Peskov said, adding that Moscow doesn’t consider U.S. President Donald Trump’s words about the revival of the G8 format as a provocation bearing in mind frictions among the G7 nations on that matter.
"No, we don’t think so," the Kremlin spokesman said answering a corresponding question.
He recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin’s words that readmission to the club of the world’s most industrialized nations was not a goal in itself for Russia. "Nevertheless, Russia has never rejected any cooperation formats. But it is not going to foist itself on anyone," Peskov noted.
According to him, Putin stands for good relations with all the G7 nations. "We have quite positive contacts with a number of the Group of Seven nations. For example, with Japan, Italy, France, and Germany," TASS cited the Russian presidential spokesman as saying.
"Despite certain differences that are unavoidable in relations with these countries, dialogue continues and expands at various levels and this dialogue helps minimize mistrust and frictions, helps discuss problems and look for solutions not through confrontation, but through dialogue," Peskov said, adding he hoped "other nations will join this tendency sooner or later."
