Moscow does not obtrude itself on any summits, but discussion of global problems without Russia is ineffective - Peskov

MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russia is open to cooperation with other countries, but has no plans to obtruding itself on participation in these or those formats, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on the forthcoming G7 summit and the Kremlin’s attitude to the resumption of the G8 format. "The president said on numerous occasions that, of course, we were not going to foist ourselves on others in any formats," Peskov said, noting that "the discussion of the global problems without Russia’s participation could hardly be effective and could hardly lead to any effective results." "As before, we are, of course, open to any cooperation, any interaction. We were and we remain open," Peskov said. According to media reports, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke against inviting the Russian President to the G7 summit due to take place in Bavaria in June. Meanwhile, head of the Left Party parliamentary faction Gregor Gysi urged Chancellor Angela Merkel to invite Vladimir Putin to the summit. "Since it’s impossible to resolve crises without Russia, G7 should be turned into G8," Gysi said. "Russia’s isolation won’t bring any tangible results, it only causes harm." Read more