Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will not be seeking membership of the European Union, but hopes to develop ties with the group, Reuters news agency reported on Monday.

“A stable, flourishing and united Europe answers our interests,” Putin said in an article marking the 50th anniversary of the European Union’s founding Treaty of Rome.

The Kremlin leader, who is due to step down next year after presiding over eight years of strong economic growth, praised Russia-EU relations which he said were heading towards a comprehensive, intensive and long-term co-operation“.

“We are not going to join the European Union or engage in any form of association in the foreseeable future,” Putin said in the article posted on the Kremlin website.

“Russia is ready to build relations with the European Union through treaties and strategic partnership,” he added.

In the past few years, ties between Moscow and the European Union have been marred by disagreements in the energy sector.

EU members, worried by a growing dependence on Russian gas, are seeking to diversify their imports. They have been alarmed by Moscow’s refusal to ratify the Energy Charter which would give their companies access to Russian pipelines and deposits.

Russia in turn blames EU partners for blocking attempts to buy into European energy production and distribution sectors.

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