MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia and Europe would prosper by uniting and complementing each other rather than fighting.

Speaking during his annual year-end press conference, Putin said closer cooperation between Russia and European countries could generate significant economic benefits for all sides.

"If we combined our efforts with European countries, our combined gross domestic product measured by purchasing power parity would be larger than that of the United States," Putin said. "This is theoretical, of course, but it is absolutely clear that by uniting and complementing our capabilities, we would prosper instead of fighting each other."

"We are ready to work with you, with Great Britain, with Europe as a whole, and with the United States, but on an equal footing, with mutual respect," Putin said. "If we ultimately achieve this, everyone will benefit." ■