DFM DENISOV LAUDS ECON DIALOGUE, WELCOMES JANUARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 005451 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2017 TAGS: ECON EINV ENRG RS SUBJECT: DFM DENISOV LAUDS ECON DIALOGUE, WELCOMES JANUARY MEETING WITH U/S JEFFERY REF: A.) MOSCOW 5368 B.) SECSTATE 154633 Classified By: Ambassador William J. Burns for reasons 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (SBU) In a November 19 meeting with DFM Denisov, the Ambassador raised Undersecretary Jeffery's proposal for a preliminary meeting in Moscow in January at which the two could discuss establishing a low-key, informal but regular economic dialogue. Denisov responded that he welcomed the proposed dialogue and agreed to a January meeting. He would respond to the Undersecretary's letter in writing but said that his schedule was open the last half of January. He added that it was appropriate to have the first meeting on this new initiative at the start of a new year. ¶2. (C) Denisov said that he thought the dialogue was an excellent proposal. The bilateral economic relationship had improved greatly in the past year and it was important to find means to preserve and further develop that relationship despite the political transitions that would occur in both countries in 2008. Denisov said the dialogue would provide a forum in which Russian and the United States could exchange views on global economic issues and could discuss practical bilateral steps. The Ambassador agreed, noting that in that spirit we might consider &seminars8 on our respective energy and investment policies. Denisov said he in turn would want to discuss with U/S Jeffery including the private sector in at least part of the dialogue, although probably at the outset. ¶3. (C) Comment: Denisov enthusiastically embraced the idea of the dialogue and appears committed to making it work, as evidenced by his openness to this initial meeting. He said he looked forward to receiving specific dates in late January that would work for U/S Jeffery. BURNS