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