Interfax: Medvedev: Russia is part of Europe but also eyeing Asia

MOSCOW. Dec 10 (Interfax) – Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has disagreed with the opinion that Russia is not part of European civilization.

“There is no doubt that Russia is part of Europe and European civilization and there is nothing to add here. I have always said so and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has said so too,” Medvedev said in an interview with major Russian television channels.

He was answering a question from television anchor Marianna Maximovskaya, who referred to the Russian Culture Ministry’s concept, which became notorious after the media quoted its “Russia is not Europe” premise.

“Who is saying that Russia is not Europe? I have always said that Russia is Europe. We should speak to the culture minister; he may have an idea of his own. But I think you have not fully understood him,” Medvedev said.

At the same time, “Russia is a separate country with its own traditions, history and culture. We are part of Europe. But on the other hand we are certainly eyeing Asia,” the prime minister stated.