St. PETERSBURG, September 6 (RIA Novosti) – International leaders at the G20 summit in St Petersburg have approved Russia’s additional initiatives – expanding the Anti-Corruption Action Plan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
“This year we have set out a work strategy in this area and this summit has approved a number of initiatives – including those proposed by Russia,” Putin told the G20 Summit, hosted by Russia - which this year holds the rotating presidency - in St. Petersburg.
Russia itself has struggled to counter corruption in the public and private sectors, and earlier this year a report by the Russian Prosecutor General’s office said that corruption-related crimes in the country rose by almost 25 percent year-on-year in 2012.
The Transparency International global watchdog estimated the cost of corruption in Russia at $300 billion in 2012, placing Russia 133rd out of 174 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index last year.
The G20 2013-2014 Anti-Corruption Action Plan details an array of measures, including the ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption by all G20 members, measures to combat bribery, further enhancing international cooperation in fighting corruption, and to promote integrity and accountability in the public sector.
G20 leaders also agreed to promote a business-friendly environment and invest in job creation programs, personnel training and social security. Special priority was given to the employment of vulnerable social groups, above all young people, women, and people with disabilities, Putin said.
