Published: March 10th, 2016

One of the most important topics of the fourth Moscow Economic Forum, which will take place on March 23-24 in Moscow State University, will be to find solutions for the loosing the international tension. Possible ways to restore Russia's relations with Western countries will be discussed by the Russian and international experts at the conference "Russia and the West: from confrontation to dialogue? (Geopolitical discourse). " Particular attention will be paid to the specific measures to achieve a political compromise, said conference moderator, co-chair of the MEF, scientific director of the Institute of Economics RAS Ruslan Grinberg.

"The key problem is that today Russia and the West are, if not in a state of "cold war ", then at least in a state of "cold peace. " We were all in a situation of substantial and sharp aggravation of international tension. Unfortunately, we were returned to geopolitics in its most hideous form with mutual claims, threats, information warriors ", - stressed scientist.

Undermining trust between Russia and the West, according to the academician, was largely due to increased international tensions in connection with the events in Ukraine, and in this direction there is the most need for international dialogue. The key challenge now facing the State, said co-chair of the MEF is the practical implementation of the Minsk agreements and sustainable solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. "Both sides should make mutual concessions, without losing face. In the end, we all feel the negative impact of sanctions, and this insane zero-sum game, where the win of the one always means the loss of another should be overcome as soon as possible", - says Grinberg.

As a positive example of Russia and the West international dialogue, the expert mentioned the dialog that led Russia and the United States to reach an ciese fire agreement in Syria, showing that countries can work together against a common threat, and banned in Russia and several other countries group "Islamic state." This agreement demonstrates that Russia and the US are able to find common ground and resolve the existing problems and in other international destinations, summed up the discussion the moderator.

Source: PR department of MEF