Russia, EU to keep constructive relationship under new EU leadership

Stockholm, November 19 - Relations between Russia and the EU will develop constructively no matter who heads the European Union, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said. "Whoever may come to the leadership of the European Union or its individual executive institutions, all these respected people will realize the importance of relations between the EU and Russia. Similarly whoever may be the president of the Russian Federation, we realize perfectly well what unified Europe means to us," he said at a press conference following the Russia-EU summit in Stockholm.Medvedev stressed that Russia is also part of Europe and "relations with the EU for Russia are a key component of international relations."He said that according to different estimates 50% to 60% of Russia's turnover is with European countries. "Therefore we are inevitable partners. Moreover, we are friendly partners. In this respect I am sure that everything is going to be good in the future as well," he said.The new leadership of the EU will be elected on Nov. 19.