Putin says Russia will 'actively' participate in G20

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Russia will be "actively involved” in Friday’s G20 summit in Hamburg, President Vladimir Putin insisted on Thursday.

In an article written by the Russian leader for German business newspaper Handelsblatt, Putin said the G20 was an opportunity to discuss key issues on the global agenda.

"Even against the backdrop of growing geopolitical risks and uncertainty, the G20 has not become less efficient as a global governance tool," he wrote.

"The Russian delegation will be actively involved in the work of the Hamburg summit, which I am sure will be highly productive."

He also welcomed a decision to expand the G20’s agenda to include sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism and corruption plus healthcare, migration and refugees.

"Only by acting together and pooling our efforts can we overcome the current imbalances, ensure sustainable growth, develop fair trade and competition rules, reduce poverty and resolve acute social issues," Putin wrote.

The first face-to-face meeting between Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump will also take place on sidelines of Hamburg summit.