Matviyenko: Russia is part of Europe and cannot be erased from the map

(Patria) - Russia was and will remain part of Europe and it is impossible to "erase it from the map", said Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko in an interview with TASS at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

- Russia was, is and will remain part of Europe. It is impossible to isolate Russia. It is impossible to erase it from the map. We are neighbours and we must return to normal relations.

We must restore good-neighbourly ties - said Matviyenko, speaking about the prospects for cooperation with European countries.

According to her, the areas of potential cooperation are extensive and remain relevant - "all that is needed is goodwill on both sides".

She particularly noted that many German companies previously did well on the Russian market, but were ordered to leave and complied with that political directive.

- Before the rise of Russophobia, attempts to inflict a geopolitical defeat on Russia and efforts to stifle its development, we had a very strong and well-established economic partnership, not only in the energy sector but also in high technology, as well as in the humanitarian and cultural fields - Matviyenko emphasised.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026), the 29th edition, is being held from June 3 to 6. This year's theme is "Pragmatic Dialogue: Path to a Stable Future".

Saudi Arabia is the guest country at SPIEF.

The forum's programme is dedicated to shaping a new model of global development amid the ongoing transformation of the world economy.