[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (photo) stated on the 27th (local time) that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to attend the Group of Twenty (G20) summit scheduled to be held in Bali, Indonesia, this November, even if Putin comes.
According to AFP, Chancellor Scholz said in an interview with Germany's public broadcaster ZDF that the G20 will continue to play a "major role" and that cooperation is important.
He also mentioned that Indonesia, the chair country of the G20 summit, has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU) Commission, also stated that she does not rule out sitting at the same table as President Putin at the G20.
The day before, President von der Leyen said, "It is also important to tell him directly how we think of him."
She emphasized that "we need to carefully consider whether we want to paralyze the entire G20," stressing that the G20 is a "platform too important to be damaged."
Indonesia, the chair country of this year's G20 summit, invited President Putin to the G20 summit in April despite pressure from the Western side. At that time, Russia said it was preparing to attend but had not decided whether President Putin would participate virtually or in person.
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