Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 On February 14, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a Government Hour session of the State Duma where he made remarks on current issues related to the foreign policy of the Russian Federation.
The Foreign Minister focused on the key aspects of the Ministry’s efforts to resolve the foreign policy challenges facing the country and took questions from deputies. He concentrated on issues related to promoting partnerships with states that have a constructive attitude to Russia, ensuring favourable external conditions for its socio-economic development, and protecting the rights and interests of compatriots living abroad.
Sergey Lavrov also spoke about strengthening Russia’s role as a leading world power, deepening integration in the Union State, #EAEU, #CIS and #SCO, the Russian chairmanship of #BRICS, the resistance of the Global Majority to the dictates of the collective West, and the formation of a fair multipolar world order.
☝️ The Minister’s regular meetings with the members of both chambers of the Federal Assembly are an opportunity to “compare notes” and determine the main areas of joint effort by the executive and legislative authorities in the framework of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation.
The Foreign Minister focused on the key aspects of the Ministry’s efforts to resolve the foreign policy challenges facing the country and took questions from deputies. He concentrated on issues related to promoting partnerships with states that have a constructive attitude to Russia, ensuring favourable external conditions for its socio-economic development, and protecting the rights and interests of compatriots living abroad.
Sergey Lavrov also spoke about strengthening Russia’s role as a leading world power, deepening integration in the Union State, #EAEU, #CIS and #SCO, the Russian chairmanship of #BRICS, the resistance of the Global Majority to the dictates of the collective West, and the formation of a fair multipolar world order.
☝️ The Minister’s regular meetings with the members of both chambers of the Federal Assembly are an opportunity to “compare notes” and determine the main areas of joint effort by the executive and legislative authorities in the framework of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), uniting Russia 🇷🇺, Armenia 🇦🇲, Belarus 🇧🇾, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬, is an influential economic association of a new equal type of trade and investment partnership with
✅ a total population of 190 million people;
✅ GDP – more than $2 trillion;
✅ total area of more than 20 million km.
🤝 Over the past year, the member states have signed 12 agreements and several hundred acts of the Union's bodies aimed at deepening integration. Most of them are very specific and concern customs tariffs and non-tariff regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and other sectoral issues. All of them are ultimately aimed at improving the well-being of the Union’s citizens.
👉 In 2023, the temporary measure setting a higher threshold of 1,000 euros for duty-free importation of goods for individuals into the EAEU territory was extended. This step directly affects the population of the EAEU member states.
👉 Another example is the June 2023 agreement signed by EAEU member states on the mutual recognition of academic degrees. This agreement is aimed at enhancing the labour mobility within the Union, which is an integral part of the single labour market
☝️ Free movement of workers within the EAEU is one of the four fundamental freedoms of Eurasian economic integration. Once the signed agreement enters into force, any EAEU member state will be able to recognise a degree obtained in any other EAEU country, which will undoubtedly facilitate the process of employment and labour activity for the Union's citizens.
All the above examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the EAEU in action.
#EAEU #EurasianEconomicUnion
✅ a total population of 190 million people;
✅ GDP – more than $2 trillion;
✅ total area of more than 20 million km.
🤝 Over the past year, the member states have signed 12 agreements and several hundred acts of the Union's bodies aimed at deepening integration. Most of them are very specific and concern customs tariffs and non-tariff regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and other sectoral issues. All of them are ultimately aimed at improving the well-being of the Union’s citizens.
👉 In 2023, the temporary measure setting a higher threshold of 1,000 euros for duty-free importation of goods for individuals into the EAEU territory was extended. This step directly affects the population of the EAEU member states.
👉 Another example is the June 2023 agreement signed by EAEU member states on the mutual recognition of academic degrees. This agreement is aimed at enhancing the labour mobility within the Union, which is an integral part of the single labour market
☝️ Free movement of workers within the EAEU is one of the four fundamental freedoms of Eurasian economic integration. Once the signed agreement enters into force, any EAEU member state will be able to recognise a degree obtained in any other EAEU country, which will undoubtedly facilitate the process of employment and labour activity for the Union's citizens.
All the above examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the EAEU in action.
#EAEU #EurasianEconomicUnion
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🌐 On February 21-22, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the G20 Ministerial meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the first such meeting held as part of Brazil’s chairmanship in this key forum of global economic governance.
👉 Read in full
Speaking on the G20’s role in overcoming current international tensions, Sergey Lavrov presented Russia’s detailed assessments of the geopolitical situation noting the West’s deliberate policy to maintain its dominance by containing new centres of power, eroding the coordinating function of the UN and the primacy of the universal provisions of international law, and substituting them with restricted-participation alliances and an obscure rules-based order. <...>
✅ The principled Russian policy to preserve the #G20 as a key global economic forum that is free from politicisation and is not authorised to interfere in matters of international peace and security to the detriment of the prerogatives of the UN Security Council was reaffirmed.
❗️In this context, the unacceptability of attempts to lead the discussion away from the real challenges that plague the global economy through the Ukrainisation of the G20 agenda was emphasised <...>.
In light of shifts in the balance of power and the rise of new global growth centres, the participants paid special attention to the importance of democratising the global governance system by expanding the rights of the Global South in proportion to its actual weight in the international arena. <...>
The minister noted the importance of considering the objective trend towards the greater global economic role of associations such as #BRICS, the #SCO, #ASEAN, the #EAEU, the African Union, the Arab League, and #CELAC in G20 activities.. <...>
🤝 Sergey Lavrov held a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial Meeting.
👉 Read in full
Speaking on the G20’s role in overcoming current international tensions, Sergey Lavrov presented Russia’s detailed assessments of the geopolitical situation noting the West’s deliberate policy to maintain its dominance by containing new centres of power, eroding the coordinating function of the UN and the primacy of the universal provisions of international law, and substituting them with restricted-participation alliances and an obscure rules-based order. <...>
✅ The principled Russian policy to preserve the #G20 as a key global economic forum that is free from politicisation and is not authorised to interfere in matters of international peace and security to the detriment of the prerogatives of the UN Security Council was reaffirmed.
❗️In this context, the unacceptability of attempts to lead the discussion away from the real challenges that plague the global economy through the Ukrainisation of the G20 agenda was emphasised <...>.
In light of shifts in the balance of power and the rise of new global growth centres, the participants paid special attention to the importance of democratising the global governance system by expanding the rights of the Global South in proportion to its actual weight in the international arena. <...>
The minister noted the importance of considering the objective trend towards the greater global economic role of associations such as #BRICS, the #SCO, #ASEAN, the #EAEU, the African Union, the Arab League, and #CELAC in G20 activities.. <...>
🤝 Sergey Lavrov held a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial Meeting.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
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⚡️ From President Vladimir Putin's Address to the Federal Assembly (February 29, 2024)
Key talking points:
• Just like any other ideology promoting racism, national superiority or exceptionalism, Russophobia is blinding and stupefying. The US and its satellites have, in fact, dismantled the European security system which has created risks for everyone.
• We need to shore up the forces in the western strategic theatre in order to counteract the threats posed by NATO’s further eastward expansion, with Sweden and Finland joining the alliance.
• A new equal and indivisible security framework must be created in Eurasia in the foreseeable future. We are ready for a substantive discussion on this subject with all countries and associations that may be interested in it. At the same time, I would like to reiterate (I think this is important for everyone) that no enduring international order is possible without a strong and sovereign Russia.
• We strive to unite the global majority’s efforts to respond to international challenges, such as turbulent transformation of the world economy, trade, finance, and technology markets, when former monopolies and stereotypes associated with them are collapsing.
• The principles of equality and respect for each other’s interests guide us in our interactions with our partners. This is why more and more countries have been proactive in seeking to be part of the activities of the #EAEU, the #SCO, #BRICS and other associations involving Russia.
📄 Read in full
Key talking points:
• Just like any other ideology promoting racism, national superiority or exceptionalism, Russophobia is blinding and stupefying. The US and its satellites have, in fact, dismantled the European security system which has created risks for everyone.
• We need to shore up the forces in the western strategic theatre in order to counteract the threats posed by NATO’s further eastward expansion, with Sweden and Finland joining the alliance.
• A new equal and indivisible security framework must be created in Eurasia in the foreseeable future. We are ready for a substantive discussion on this subject with all countries and associations that may be interested in it. At the same time, I would like to reiterate (I think this is important for everyone) that no enduring international order is possible without a strong and sovereign Russia.
• We strive to unite the global majority’s efforts to respond to international challenges, such as turbulent transformation of the world economy, trade, finance, and technology markets, when former monopolies and stereotypes associated with them are collapsing.
• The principles of equality and respect for each other’s interests guide us in our interactions with our partners. This is why more and more countries have been proactive in seeking to be part of the activities of the #EAEU, the #SCO, #BRICS and other associations involving Russia.
📄 Read in full
🇷🇺 President of Russia Vladimir Putin suggested Russia could offer the #BRICS countries options for the cooperation of banking systems, taking into account the interests of the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU) states.
💬 The operation of the financial systems of the banking sector, as you know, created within the framework of this association, BRICS, contains various ideas on how we could enhance its functionality. It would be great if we, on behalf of Russia but considering the interests of the member countries of our organization, offered our colleagues some proposals," President Putin said at a meeting with Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
🤝 He emphasized that Russia aims to coordinate any actions in these fields with all members of the Eurasian Economic Community.
👉 President Putin noted that Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus already cooperate with BRICS countries in some capacity.
💬 And if we could offer our colleagues some proposals – we will discuss this in more detail, there are some ideas – especially if presented as our joint steps, it could have promising prospects," the Russian president concluded.
#BRICS #EAEU
💬 The operation of the financial systems of the banking sector, as you know, created within the framework of this association, BRICS, contains various ideas on how we could enhance its functionality. It would be great if we, on behalf of Russia but considering the interests of the member countries of our organization, offered our colleagues some proposals," President Putin said at a meeting with Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Bakytzhan Sagintayev.
🤝 He emphasized that Russia aims to coordinate any actions in these fields with all members of the Eurasian Economic Community.
👉 President Putin noted that Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus already cooperate with BRICS countries in some capacity.
💬 And if we could offer our colleagues some proposals – we will discuss this in more detail, there are some ideas – especially if presented as our joint steps, it could have promising prospects," the Russian president concluded.
#BRICS #EAEU
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin's remarks at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting:
☝🏼 We note with satisfaction that over the past decade our association has established itself as an independent and self-sufficient centre of the emerging multipolar world
The economic indicators speak for themselves:
🤝 according to available estimates, over the ten years the total GDP of the Eurasian Union countries went from US$1.6 to US$2.5 trillion,
🤝 trade with third countries increased by 60 percent, from US $579 to US $923 billion,
🤝 the volume of mutual trade almost doubled: from US $45 to US $89 billion, with over 90 percent of settlements already made in national currencies.
#EAEU
☝🏼 We note with satisfaction that over the past decade our association has established itself as an independent and self-sufficient centre of the emerging multipolar world
The economic indicators speak for themselves:
🤝 according to available estimates, over the ten years the total GDP of the Eurasian Union countries went from US$1.6 to US$2.5 trillion,
🤝 trade with third countries increased by 60 percent, from US $579 to US $923 billion,
🤝 the volume of mutual trade almost doubled: from US $45 to US $89 billion, with over 90 percent of settlements already made in national currencies.
#EAEU
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇨🇳 Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping made a media statement following Russia-China talks (May 16, 2024)
💬 Vladimir Putin: The talks we have just finished highlighted the great significance that Moscow and Beijing attach to the development and strengthening of comprehensive Russia-China partnership and strategic interaction. This partnership can certainly set an example of ties between neighbouring states.
Key talking points:
• This state visit takes place in the year of the 75th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognise the People’s Republic of China on October 2, 1949, the day after its declaration.
• I want to note the significance of the Joint Statement we have adopted, which sets new objectives and long-term directives for advancing the entire spectrum of Russian-Chinese relations.
📈 In 2023, bilateral trade surged by a quarter, reaching a new milestone of $240 billion, as reported by Chinese statistics. While there may be a slight variance in figures, the overall total is entirely accurate. <...> Currently, there are over 80 priority projects valued at approximately $200 billion in progress or in preparation for implementation through the respective intergovernmental commission.
• Our talks have reaffirmed that Russia and China have similar or identical views on many international and regional issues. Both countries have an independent and sovereign foreign policy. We are working together to create a fairer and more democratic multipolar world order.
• We have agreed to further improve communication between credit and banking institutions of Russia and China, while actively employing national payment systems to support our economic operators.
🤝 Russia and China are fruitfully working together in #BRICS and the #SCO. <...> Our countries are resolved to continue working to align integration processes underway within the framework of the #EAEU with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Read in full
💬 Vladimir Putin: The talks we have just finished highlighted the great significance that Moscow and Beijing attach to the development and strengthening of comprehensive Russia-China partnership and strategic interaction. This partnership can certainly set an example of ties between neighbouring states.
Key talking points:
• This state visit takes place in the year of the 75th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognise the People’s Republic of China on October 2, 1949, the day after its declaration.
• I want to note the significance of the Joint Statement we have adopted, which sets new objectives and long-term directives for advancing the entire spectrum of Russian-Chinese relations.
📈 In 2023, bilateral trade surged by a quarter, reaching a new milestone of $240 billion, as reported by Chinese statistics. While there may be a slight variance in figures, the overall total is entirely accurate. <...> Currently, there are over 80 priority projects valued at approximately $200 billion in progress or in preparation for implementation through the respective intergovernmental commission.
• Our talks have reaffirmed that Russia and China have similar or identical views on many international and regional issues. Both countries have an independent and sovereign foreign policy. We are working together to create a fairer and more democratic multipolar world order.
• We have agreed to further improve communication between credit and banking institutions of Russia and China, while actively employing national payment systems to support our economic operators.
🤝 Russia and China are fruitfully working together in #BRICS and the #SCO. <...> Our countries are resolved to continue working to align integration processes underway within the framework of the #EAEU with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at an extended meeting with the participation of the Foreign Ministers from the Global South and the Global East (June 11, 2024, Nizhny Novgorod)
💬 Welcome to Russia and Nizhny Novgorod, a beautiful city, the beauty of which and the feelings of the residents of which you had the chance to enjoy yesterday.
Today’s meeting reflects the efforts of #BRICS members to develop ties with the stakeholder countries from the Global South and the Global East, the countries of the Global Majority,
in order to identify solutions to the most pressing global issues faced by all members of the international community without exception.
We are witnessing a profound transformation of international relations triggered by the formation of a fairer and polycentric system of international order, which would reflect the entire gamut of cultural and civilisational diversity of the modern-day world and ensure the right of every nation to determine its own future and its own path of development.
The stronger voice of the Global Majority, i.e. the countries of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, which are not part of the collective West, is a major trend now.
Only by uniting our ranks can we truly effectively promote a vision of a just future shared by all of us. In this context, it is important to strengthen the role of the country-to-country groups that advocate balanced and equitable approaches to international development.
We are talking about the formats which reflect the principles of equitable cooperation in practice rather than in words. These include, along with BRICS, #SCO, #AfricanUnion, #EAEU, #CIS, #ASEAN, #LAS, #CELAC, #GCC, #IORA and many other organisations. The chairs of many of these organisations are here with us.
We believe it is important to establish contacts between all such integration entities which operate at regional levels, on the one hand, and our global association BRICS, on the other hand. This will promote gradual and mutually respectful harmonisation of approaches to the issues facing all associations.
The strengthening the international legal framework and collective decision-making on global issues is now at the forefront. Only in this case will those decisions be effective and legitimate.
This principle is laid down in the UN Charter. Unfortunately, the collective West’s decisions, especially in the economy, finance, trade and more, increasingly fail to comply with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
Our countries have largely overlapping approaches to reforming the system of multilateral institutions, including the UN and the UN Security Council, as well as addressing the post-pandemic recovery of the global economy and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals approved by the UN General Assembly.
🤝 We look forward to discussing all these issues today.
💬 Welcome to Russia and Nizhny Novgorod, a beautiful city, the beauty of which and the feelings of the residents of which you had the chance to enjoy yesterday.
Today’s meeting reflects the efforts of #BRICS members to develop ties with the stakeholder countries from the Global South and the Global East, the countries of the Global Majority,
in order to identify solutions to the most pressing global issues faced by all members of the international community without exception.
We are witnessing a profound transformation of international relations triggered by the formation of a fairer and polycentric system of international order, which would reflect the entire gamut of cultural and civilisational diversity of the modern-day world and ensure the right of every nation to determine its own future and its own path of development.
The stronger voice of the Global Majority, i.e. the countries of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, which are not part of the collective West, is a major trend now.
Only by uniting our ranks can we truly effectively promote a vision of a just future shared by all of us. In this context, it is important to strengthen the role of the country-to-country groups that advocate balanced and equitable approaches to international development.
We are talking about the formats which reflect the principles of equitable cooperation in practice rather than in words. These include, along with BRICS, #SCO, #AfricanUnion, #EAEU, #CIS, #ASEAN, #LAS, #CELAC, #GCC, #IORA and many other organisations. The chairs of many of these organisations are here with us.
We believe it is important to establish contacts between all such integration entities which operate at regional levels, on the one hand, and our global association BRICS, on the other hand. This will promote gradual and mutually respectful harmonisation of approaches to the issues facing all associations.
The strengthening the international legal framework and collective decision-making on global issues is now at the forefront. Only in this case will those decisions be effective and legitimate.
This principle is laid down in the UN Charter. Unfortunately, the collective West’s decisions, especially in the economy, finance, trade and more, increasingly fail to comply with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.
Our countries have largely overlapping approaches to reforming the system of multilateral institutions, including the UN and the UN Security Council, as well as addressing the post-pandemic recovery of the global economy and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals approved by the UN General Assembly.
🤝 We look forward to discussing all these issues today.
🇷🇺 Russia’s Strategic Vision for Regional Integration: Advancing Sustainable Development through the EAEU and Beyond
On July 15, 2024, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke at the side event titled “Regional Partnerships in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of the EAEU and Other Initiatives in Eurasia”
🔹 During the event, Nebenzia outlined the significant progress the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has made over the past decade and emphasized Russia’s commitment to advancing regional integration as a means of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🔹 Established ten years ago, the EAEU has made considerable strides in promoting the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across its member states. The union has implemented a range of joint initiatives designed to enhance labor productivity, reduce transaction costs, and stimulate industrial development.
These efforts have not only modernized production processes but also contributed to increased employment opportunities across the region.
🔹 Nebenzia highlighted that Russia is actively pursuing various regional initiatives beyond the EAEU, engaging with platforms such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS.
🤝 Through these platforms, Russia is sharing successful practices of Eurasian integration and addressing fundamental legal and infrastructural issues. This includes establishing mandatory product requirements, developing compliance procedures, and optimizing customs, tax, and logistics frameworks.
#EAEU #Russia #BRICS
On July 15, 2024, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke at the side event titled “Regional Partnerships in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of the EAEU and Other Initiatives in Eurasia”
🔹 During the event, Nebenzia outlined the significant progress the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has made over the past decade and emphasized Russia’s commitment to advancing regional integration as a means of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🔹 Established ten years ago, the EAEU has made considerable strides in promoting the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across its member states. The union has implemented a range of joint initiatives designed to enhance labor productivity, reduce transaction costs, and stimulate industrial development.
These efforts have not only modernized production processes but also contributed to increased employment opportunities across the region.
🔹 Nebenzia highlighted that Russia is actively pursuing various regional initiatives beyond the EAEU, engaging with platforms such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS.
🤝 Through these platforms, Russia is sharing successful practices of Eurasian integration and addressing fundamental legal and infrastructural issues. This includes establishing mandatory product requirements, developing compliance procedures, and optimizing customs, tax, and logistics frameworks.
#EAEU #Russia #BRICS
Enhancing Economic Cooperation: EAEU's Trade Growth and Future Plans
In the first four months of 2024, mutual trade among Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries grew by 9.5%, as announced by Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, at the Caucasus Investment Forum in Grozny.
Dmitry Volvach highlighted that the EAEU's trade with third countries is expanding at a faster rate than domestic trade, with trade volumes growing 1.4 times in 2023 compared to 2015.
👉The Deputy Minister emphasized the effectiveness of the free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran, along with memoranda of understanding signed with the governments of Myanmar and Nicaragua.
👉 He also noted ongoing negotiations for a free trade zone with Indonesia and the UAE, underscoring these efforts as pivotal for fostering institutional frameworks for EAEU cooperation with external partners.
👉 Looking ahead, the EAEU aims to deepen trade and economic ties with China and India, while also working towards finalizing a temporary trade agreement with Mongolia.
#EAEU
In the first four months of 2024, mutual trade among Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries grew by 9.5%, as announced by Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia, at the Caucasus Investment Forum in Grozny.
Dmitry Volvach highlighted that the EAEU's trade with third countries is expanding at a faster rate than domestic trade, with trade volumes growing 1.4 times in 2023 compared to 2015.
👉The Deputy Minister emphasized the effectiveness of the free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran, along with memoranda of understanding signed with the governments of Myanmar and Nicaragua.
👉 He also noted ongoing negotiations for a free trade zone with Indonesia and the UAE, underscoring these efforts as pivotal for fostering institutional frameworks for EAEU cooperation with external partners.
👉 Looking ahead, the EAEU aims to deepen trade and economic ties with China and India, while also working towards finalizing a temporary trade agreement with Mongolia.
#EAEU
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a meeting with directors of Russian non-profit organisations (July 23, 2024)
Key talking points:
🔹The role of public diplomacy has grown compared to the earlier period, primarily when it comes to maintaining a healthy atmosphere of confidence in relations with our foreign partners and explaining problems created by the West.
🔹 This applies to the the countries which we regard as unfriendly. I believe that we should use this term for governments, whereas the mood in the countries is largely determined by people’s lives and aspirations. I do not see any nation on the planet that would be unfriendly to our people in the first place.
🔹 I am aware that pubic organisations in Western countries somehow manage to maintain ties with some of their partners in Russia. This interaction is extremely important for keeping up relations at the level of civil societies and trying to understand each other.
🔹 We are beginning to see the outlines of a new multipolar world order. Nations around the world want to see their right to rule their destinies respected, and are searching for new ways of addressing various issues as alternatives to Western solutions.
🔹 The West is not ready to engage in mutually beneficial and equal cooperation. It has been seeking to hold on to its erstwhile standing which follows the path of irreversible, albeit slow, degradation. The NATO Summit in Washington provided yet another example of this process by adopting a declaration which once again emphasised the West’s unilateral approaches.
🔹 Today, Europe has been reduced to acting as Washington’s subject. Germany, for example, is the cornerstone of European politics and economy, but it still had to stomach the terrorist attacks against the Nord Stream pipelines which undermined its economic and social wellbeing. It had to pretend that this is the way it had to be.
🔹 The process of eradicating the centralised dictatorial model that America’s globalisation has morphed into will go hand in hand with regionalisation of economic processes. Preferably, in view of their interdependence with the global economy, the developments in Eurasia, Africa and Latin America ought to be coordinated and harmonised to a certain extent. #BRICS is quite capable of doing that.
🔹 We certainly believe that the United Nations remains a unique platform for universal cooperation that has no alternative. The UN Charter principles are relevant as never before.
🔹 I said earlier that Eurasia is emerging as an independent part of the multipolar and polycentric world. We are moving forward towards creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership, something that President Vladimir Putin mentioned 10 years back. Since then, this process has led to stronger ties between #EAEU, #SCO, and #ASEAN.
🔹 We trust that non-governmental and non-profit organisations will actively participate in these processes and continue to contribute to the overall efforts seeking to strengthen Russia’s position on the continent and around the world, including the promotion of the Russian language and our multiethnic culture.
Read in full
Key talking points:
🔹The role of public diplomacy has grown compared to the earlier period, primarily when it comes to maintaining a healthy atmosphere of confidence in relations with our foreign partners and explaining problems created by the West.
🔹 This applies to the the countries which we regard as unfriendly. I believe that we should use this term for governments, whereas the mood in the countries is largely determined by people’s lives and aspirations. I do not see any nation on the planet that would be unfriendly to our people in the first place.
🔹 I am aware that pubic organisations in Western countries somehow manage to maintain ties with some of their partners in Russia. This interaction is extremely important for keeping up relations at the level of civil societies and trying to understand each other.
🔹 We are beginning to see the outlines of a new multipolar world order. Nations around the world want to see their right to rule their destinies respected, and are searching for new ways of addressing various issues as alternatives to Western solutions.
🔹 The West is not ready to engage in mutually beneficial and equal cooperation. It has been seeking to hold on to its erstwhile standing which follows the path of irreversible, albeit slow, degradation. The NATO Summit in Washington provided yet another example of this process by adopting a declaration which once again emphasised the West’s unilateral approaches.
🔹 Today, Europe has been reduced to acting as Washington’s subject. Germany, for example, is the cornerstone of European politics and economy, but it still had to stomach the terrorist attacks against the Nord Stream pipelines which undermined its economic and social wellbeing. It had to pretend that this is the way it had to be.
🔹 The process of eradicating the centralised dictatorial model that America’s globalisation has morphed into will go hand in hand with regionalisation of economic processes. Preferably, in view of their interdependence with the global economy, the developments in Eurasia, Africa and Latin America ought to be coordinated and harmonised to a certain extent. #BRICS is quite capable of doing that.
🔹 We certainly believe that the United Nations remains a unique platform for universal cooperation that has no alternative. The UN Charter principles are relevant as never before.
🔹 I said earlier that Eurasia is emerging as an independent part of the multipolar and polycentric world. We are moving forward towards creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership, something that President Vladimir Putin mentioned 10 years back. Since then, this process has led to stronger ties between #EAEU, #SCO, and #ASEAN.
🔹 We trust that non-governmental and non-profit organisations will actively participate in these processes and continue to contribute to the overall efforts seeking to strengthen Russia’s position on the continent and around the world, including the promotion of the Russian language and our multiethnic culture.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🗓 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Member States of the East Asia Summit (#EAS) and the 31st session of the ASEAN Regional Forum (#ARF) which were held in Vientiane on July 27.
During discussions on current issues related to the situation in the Asia Pacific Region, the Russian Minister emphasised the importance of efforts to build an open and indivisible architecture of Eurasian security as one of the foundations of the multipolar international order. Apart from #ASEAN, the #SCO and the #EAEU are making a contribution to its strengthening.
❗️ He also indicated the risks to peace and stability in Asia introduced by NATO and the US-created selective bloc mechanisms. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in the regional security system through the build-up of an equitable dialogue and practical interaction.
Participants in the EAS meeting discussed preparations for the 19th East Asia Summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane in October 2024. At previous summits, Russia proposed initiatives to create a regional epidemic response mechanism and to secure economic growth in the Asia Pacific Region by promoting tourism cooperation. Russia also suggested focusing on the development of remote territories as a possible option for long-term cooperation.
☝️ The ARF session focused on building up the ARF’s potential in counterterrorism, emergency response, and #ICT security. Russia stressed that it is unacceptable to reformat the ARF mandate, restrict certain member states’ access to its activities, or block mutually beneficial cooperation projects for political reasons.
The session approved the ARF’s working plans on countering terrorism and transnational crime for 2024-2026, emergency response for 2024-2027, and a Ministerial Statement on strengthening regional cooperation in ferry service safety.
🤝 The participants also summed up the results of the Russian-Indonesian co-chairmanship of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meetings on ICT security in 2022-2024. A number of practical initiatives to combat cybercrime was implemented during that period.
During discussions on current issues related to the situation in the Asia Pacific Region, the Russian Minister emphasised the importance of efforts to build an open and indivisible architecture of Eurasian security as one of the foundations of the multipolar international order. Apart from #ASEAN, the #SCO and the #EAEU are making a contribution to its strengthening.
❗️ He also indicated the risks to peace and stability in Asia introduced by NATO and the US-created selective bloc mechanisms. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in the regional security system through the build-up of an equitable dialogue and practical interaction.
Participants in the EAS meeting discussed preparations for the 19th East Asia Summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane in October 2024. At previous summits, Russia proposed initiatives to create a regional epidemic response mechanism and to secure economic growth in the Asia Pacific Region by promoting tourism cooperation. Russia also suggested focusing on the development of remote territories as a possible option for long-term cooperation.
☝️ The ARF session focused on building up the ARF’s potential in counterterrorism, emergency response, and #ICT security. Russia stressed that it is unacceptable to reformat the ARF mandate, restrict certain member states’ access to its activities, or block mutually beneficial cooperation projects for political reasons.
The session approved the ARF’s working plans on countering terrorism and transnational crime for 2024-2026, emergency response for 2024-2027, and a Ministerial Statement on strengthening regional cooperation in ferry service safety.
🤝 The participants also summed up the results of the Russian-Indonesian co-chairmanship of the ARF Inter-Sessional Meetings on ICT security in 2022-2024. A number of practical initiatives to combat cybercrime was implemented during that period.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to questions at a meeting with students and faculty of MGIMO University (Moscow, September 2, 2024)
💬 I would like to congratulate all of you on #KnowledgeDay.
I would like to highlight that, according to the statistics, MGIMO graduates hold important positions at the Central Office of the Government of Russia, particularly the Presidential Executive Office. Additionally, two-thirds of them join the Foreign Ministry staff every year. This speaks volumes about the “seal of excellence” associated with the diplomas from this great – without any exaggeration, for me at least – institution of higher learning.
We welcome the fact that MGIMO supplies the Foreign Ministry with most of its staff. We are always eager to welcome those whose qualifications meet the high standards of Russian diplomacy. I would like to address the final-year students: together, we will implement the Foreign Policy Concept approved by President Vladimir Putin in March 2023.
I am certain that you keep up with international news and developments on the global stage. The primary trend is the strengthening of new growth and development centres located outside the historical West.
Regional integration associations, such as the #SCO, the #EAEU, #ASEAN, the #CIS, the #LAS, the African Union, and #CELAC, play a significant role at the current stage of development of the multipolar world order. #BRICS, as it strengthens its influence and authority, increasingly acts as an informal global coordinator for these regional integration processes.
The globalisation, which the West pro-actively promoted for years, has been accepted as a method of interstate relations in the economy, technology and the financial sector. However, this globalisation model is now falling apart.
We will advance integration processes within the EAEU, CIS, SCO, ASEAN, and, of course, strengthen strategic partnership with China, India, Brazil, and all our other like-minded countries, working in the context of forming the Eurasian architecture. There are many, it is impossible to list them all. That is why we have a clear and comprehensible image of the future – multipolarity, based on another key principle of the UN Charter – sovereign equality of the state.
<...>
❗️The essence of Western policy towards Russia has always been based on the assumption that our country is too strong and independent and that something must be done to change this, preferably by pulling it down. History repeats itself. Today, these 50 countries have again been rallied under Nazi banners against Russia, considering the essence of Zelensky’s regime or even the chevrons and flags of the so-called Ukrainian army. <...> Today, all those who show independence and a will to defend their national interests within international law while refusing to play by Western rules, are under threat. It is clear, however, that these attempts are largely an agony of the West.
<...>
We do not seek to embed ourselves into various “schemes” that are being established by Western “rules” without our participation and without consideration of our interests. We will continue to champion widely held principles of international law and the UN Charter in their entirety instead of cherry-picking them as the West does.
President Putin has repeatedly stressed that “we are open to contacts with the countries of the ‘collective West’ on the understanding that they pivot away from their openly hostile course towards our country”. Any unfriendly moves will still be met with a tough response. The ball is not in our court, it is up to those who set out to deliberately destroy their relations with Russia and demonise our land and our nation.
Read in full
💬 I would like to congratulate all of you on #KnowledgeDay.
I would like to highlight that, according to the statistics, MGIMO graduates hold important positions at the Central Office of the Government of Russia, particularly the Presidential Executive Office. Additionally, two-thirds of them join the Foreign Ministry staff every year. This speaks volumes about the “seal of excellence” associated with the diplomas from this great – without any exaggeration, for me at least – institution of higher learning.
We welcome the fact that MGIMO supplies the Foreign Ministry with most of its staff. We are always eager to welcome those whose qualifications meet the high standards of Russian diplomacy. I would like to address the final-year students: together, we will implement the Foreign Policy Concept approved by President Vladimir Putin in March 2023.
I am certain that you keep up with international news and developments on the global stage. The primary trend is the strengthening of new growth and development centres located outside the historical West.
Regional integration associations, such as the #SCO, the #EAEU, #ASEAN, the #CIS, the #LAS, the African Union, and #CELAC, play a significant role at the current stage of development of the multipolar world order. #BRICS, as it strengthens its influence and authority, increasingly acts as an informal global coordinator for these regional integration processes.
The globalisation, which the West pro-actively promoted for years, has been accepted as a method of interstate relations in the economy, technology and the financial sector. However, this globalisation model is now falling apart.
We will advance integration processes within the EAEU, CIS, SCO, ASEAN, and, of course, strengthen strategic partnership with China, India, Brazil, and all our other like-minded countries, working in the context of forming the Eurasian architecture. There are many, it is impossible to list them all. That is why we have a clear and comprehensible image of the future – multipolarity, based on another key principle of the UN Charter – sovereign equality of the state.
<...>
❗️The essence of Western policy towards Russia has always been based on the assumption that our country is too strong and independent and that something must be done to change this, preferably by pulling it down. History repeats itself. Today, these 50 countries have again been rallied under Nazi banners against Russia, considering the essence of Zelensky’s regime or even the chevrons and flags of the so-called Ukrainian army. <...> Today, all those who show independence and a will to defend their national interests within international law while refusing to play by Western rules, are under threat. It is clear, however, that these attempts are largely an agony of the West.
<...>
We do not seek to embed ourselves into various “schemes” that are being established by Western “rules” without our participation and without consideration of our interests. We will continue to champion widely held principles of international law and the UN Charter in their entirety instead of cherry-picking them as the West does.
President Putin has repeatedly stressed that “we are open to contacts with the countries of the ‘collective West’ on the understanding that they pivot away from their openly hostile course towards our country”. Any unfriendly moves will still be met with a tough response. The ball is not in our court, it is up to those who set out to deliberately destroy their relations with Russia and demonise our land and our nation.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🌍 On September 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat at the Russian Foreign Minsitry, who is in Moscow for the ceremony of awarding the #AfricanUnion the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize.
The officials discussed a wide range of issues related to multi-pronged cooperation between Russia and the African Union, including the strengthening of coordination of efforts for peace, security, stability and sustainable development. They also expressed a shared interest in expanding economic ties, including between the African Union and the #EAEU.
The Russian side reaffirmed its invariable readiness to consolidate efforts with the African Union at international venues during discussions of the African continent’s current problems, based on the African Solution to African Problems principle.
They also focused on tasks concerning the implementation of the decisions made at the Second Russia-Africa Summit held in St Petersburg in July 2023 and preparations for the ministerial conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum to be held in Sochi in November of this year.
The officials discussed a wide range of issues related to multi-pronged cooperation between Russia and the African Union, including the strengthening of coordination of efforts for peace, security, stability and sustainable development. They also expressed a shared interest in expanding economic ties, including between the African Union and the #EAEU.
The Russian side reaffirmed its invariable readiness to consolidate efforts with the African Union at international venues during discussions of the African continent’s current problems, based on the African Solution to African Problems principle.
They also focused on tasks concerning the implementation of the decisions made at the Second Russia-Africa Summit held in St Petersburg in July 2023 and preparations for the ministerial conference of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum to be held in Sochi in November of this year.
🇷🇺🌐 Highlights from speech by Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to Russian President, following EEF 2024
🔹 Over 7,100 people from 75 countries, including 16 “unfriendly” states, took part in the forum’s events.
The largest delegations were from China, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
🔹 The business program included over 120 sessions and roundtables with over 700 speakers.
🔹 292 agreements totaling 5.5 trillion rubles were signed at the forum.
🌍 BRICS, SCO, and EAEU:
🔸 The first #NATO country, Turkey, applied to join BRICS.
🔸 In total, 60 new countries have expressed their intention to join #BRICS, #SCO, and #EAEU.
🔸 The leaders of BRICS countries will discuss the possibility of expanding the grouping at the summit in Kazan in October.
🔸 Russia is the fifth largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity and the first economy in Europe.
🔸 More than 2/3 of settlements between BRICS members are conducted in national currencies.
🔸 The share of BRICS countries in Russia’s trade balance has doubled in the last two years, exceeding 40%, and Russia’s settlements in national currencies with BRICS partners have increased more than three times – to 85%.
#EEF2024
🔹 Over 7,100 people from 75 countries, including 16 “unfriendly” states, took part in the forum’s events.
The largest delegations were from China, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
🔹 The business program included over 120 sessions and roundtables with over 700 speakers.
🔹 292 agreements totaling 5.5 trillion rubles were signed at the forum.
🌍 BRICS, SCO, and EAEU:
🔸 The first #NATO country, Turkey, applied to join BRICS.
🔸 In total, 60 new countries have expressed their intention to join #BRICS, #SCO, and #EAEU.
🔸 The leaders of BRICS countries will discuss the possibility of expanding the grouping at the summit in Kazan in October.
🔸 Russia is the fifth largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity and the first economy in Europe.
🔸 More than 2/3 of settlements between BRICS members are conducted in national currencies.
🔸 The share of BRICS countries in Russia’s trade balance has doubled in the last two years, exceeding 40%, and Russia’s settlements in national currencies with BRICS partners have increased more than three times – to 85%.
#EEF2024
Strengthening ties with developing countries: a key priority for Russia's #BRICS Chairmanship
👉 As part of the #BRICS Chairmanship, Russia is prioritizing deepening connections with developing countries and integration associations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU).
🤝 Engaging in Global Discussions: Our Eurasian partners are keenly interested in BRICS dialogues on a range of crucial topics, such as global governance reform.
🤝 Collaborating on Key Issues: We are joining forces on vital issues like food and energy security, fair energy transitions, independent financial systems, and climate change.
🤝 Expanding Global Networks: #BRICS plays a pivotal role in global governance. To be truly effective, it must build a broad network of partnerships across all regions.
🤝 Advocating for Developing Nations: We champion the interests of developing regions, including Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America, and support collective solutions for global challenges.
🤝 Advancing Economic Diplomacy: Key tasks include developing a new regional supply chain architecture, modernizing and creating international transport corridors (such as the North-South ITC), and strengthening #EAEU integration.
🤝 EAEU Integration Goals: Our long-term vision includes ensuring a stable domestic market, fostering joint cooperation, creating a common transport and logistics space, developing a unified financial market, and positioning the EAEU as a global economic hub.
#EAEU #BRICS2024
👉 As part of the #BRICS Chairmanship, Russia is prioritizing deepening connections with developing countries and integration associations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU).
🤝 Engaging in Global Discussions: Our Eurasian partners are keenly interested in BRICS dialogues on a range of crucial topics, such as global governance reform.
🤝 Collaborating on Key Issues: We are joining forces on vital issues like food and energy security, fair energy transitions, independent financial systems, and climate change.
🤝 Expanding Global Networks: #BRICS plays a pivotal role in global governance. To be truly effective, it must build a broad network of partnerships across all regions.
🤝 Advocating for Developing Nations: We champion the interests of developing regions, including Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America, and support collective solutions for global challenges.
🤝 Advancing Economic Diplomacy: Key tasks include developing a new regional supply chain architecture, modernizing and creating international transport corridors (such as the North-South ITC), and strengthening #EAEU integration.
🤝 EAEU Integration Goals: Our long-term vision includes ensuring a stable domestic market, fostering joint cooperation, creating a common transport and logistics space, developing a unified financial market, and positioning the EAEU as a global economic hub.
#EAEU #BRICS2024
Strengthening economic relations between #Russia, #Africa, and the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU)
For the first time, financial and economic relations between Russia, Africa, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are shifting away from Western currencies in favour of national currencies.
As of the beginning of the year, the Russian ruble accounted for nearly 50% of mutual settlements. This transition not only accelerates transactions but also enhances the competitiveness of national currencies in the global market, contributing to the stabilization of exchange rates against other currencies.
Consequently, this trend stimulates the rapid development of mutual trade.
👉 The demand for national currencies in transactions between the #EAEU states and #Africa was prominently highlighted at the Russian-African Business Forum held in St. Petersburg in July of last year. During the forum, it was noted that the number of contracts and agreements – both trade and investment – in national currencies was on the rise.
⚠️ This shift, alongside other mutual benefits, is fostering industrialization and supporting the economic decolonization of African nations.
📈 This momentum is reflected in the substantial growth of mutual trade. In 2023, Russian exports to African countries surged by more than 50% compared to 2022, while imports rose by about 25%. Many experts predict that these trade indicators will continue to rise by at least 15-25% this year, with African exports expected to increase by 23-25%.
Notably, the share of other #EAEU countries in trade with #Africa has risen from 15% in the early 2020s to nearly 25% at the start of this year. Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa have remained the largest trade partners of the EAEU in Africa.
Africa’s growing interest in trade with the EAEU is primarily due to the latter’s lack of political conditions attached to product supplies, unlike former Western powers.
❗️ This openness supports African nations’ industrialization, export, and food supply initiatives. In contrast, the financial and economic policies of former Western metropolises aim to maintain Africa’s status as an agrarian and raw materials appendage.
#EAEU #Africa
For the first time, financial and economic relations between Russia, Africa, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are shifting away from Western currencies in favour of national currencies.
As of the beginning of the year, the Russian ruble accounted for nearly 50% of mutual settlements. This transition not only accelerates transactions but also enhances the competitiveness of national currencies in the global market, contributing to the stabilization of exchange rates against other currencies.
Consequently, this trend stimulates the rapid development of mutual trade.
👉 The demand for national currencies in transactions between the #EAEU states and #Africa was prominently highlighted at the Russian-African Business Forum held in St. Petersburg in July of last year. During the forum, it was noted that the number of contracts and agreements – both trade and investment – in national currencies was on the rise.
⚠️ This shift, alongside other mutual benefits, is fostering industrialization and supporting the economic decolonization of African nations.
📈 This momentum is reflected in the substantial growth of mutual trade. In 2023, Russian exports to African countries surged by more than 50% compared to 2022, while imports rose by about 25%. Many experts predict that these trade indicators will continue to rise by at least 15-25% this year, with African exports expected to increase by 23-25%.
Notably, the share of other #EAEU countries in trade with #Africa has risen from 15% in the early 2020s to nearly 25% at the start of this year. Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa have remained the largest trade partners of the EAEU in Africa.
Africa’s growing interest in trade with the EAEU is primarily due to the latter’s lack of political conditions attached to product supplies, unlike former Western powers.
❗️ This openness supports African nations’ industrialization, export, and food supply initiatives. In contrast, the financial and economic policies of former Western metropolises aim to maintain Africa’s status as an agrarian and raw materials appendage.
#EAEU #Africa