Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Aleinik (Minsk, June 24, 2024)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Belarusian friends for your warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during my official trip to the Republic of Belarus.
Our talks were held in a trust-based and friendly atmosphere, were quite substantive and covered an extensive number of issues.
We focused on important international matters. We compared notes on numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation, including interministerial interaction and foreign policy alignment.
Key talking points:
• Our absolute priorities include foreign policy support for the Union integration and strengthening international positions of the Union State, the 25th Anniversary of which we will celebrate on December 8, 2024.
• We will provide every bit of assistance to our Belarusian allies in order to get them fully onboard at the #SCO and various #BRICS mechanisms as soon as possible.
• We condemn the Western countries’ actions that have led to the Ukraine crisis and the final collapse of the security system in Europe, based on the Euro-Atlantic principles. In this context, we have paid special attention to the prospects for creating a new architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, inviting all countries in our common continent to cooperate in this process.
• Our proposal [on Eurasian security] is addressed to all those who are willing to consider the prospect for creating a new security system on an equitable basis with regard for the interests of all countries on the continent and based on the balance of these interests, excluding any outside interference.
• We reiterated our commitment to jointly uphold traditional values and the historical truth, and to prevent the rewriting of history and the glorification of Nazism.
• We noted the counterproductive consequences of politicising international cultural, humanitarian, scientific and sports relations.
• We focused on creating a common Union State space in defence and security. We noted that the joint regional grouping of troops and forces deployed in the Republic, as well as advanced Russian defence complexes and tactical nuclear weapons which reliably shield our common western borders in accordance with the decisions of the presidents of the two countries, are quite helpful in achieving this goal.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Belarusian friends for your warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during my official trip to the Republic of Belarus.
Our talks were held in a trust-based and friendly atmosphere, were quite substantive and covered an extensive number of issues.
We focused on important international matters. We compared notes on numerous aspects of bilateral cooperation, including interministerial interaction and foreign policy alignment.
Key talking points:
• Our absolute priorities include foreign policy support for the Union integration and strengthening international positions of the Union State, the 25th Anniversary of which we will celebrate on December 8, 2024.
• We will provide every bit of assistance to our Belarusian allies in order to get them fully onboard at the #SCO and various #BRICS mechanisms as soon as possible.
• We condemn the Western countries’ actions that have led to the Ukraine crisis and the final collapse of the security system in Europe, based on the Euro-Atlantic principles. In this context, we have paid special attention to the prospects for creating a new architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, inviting all countries in our common continent to cooperate in this process.
• Our proposal [on Eurasian security] is addressed to all those who are willing to consider the prospect for creating a new security system on an equitable basis with regard for the interests of all countries on the continent and based on the balance of these interests, excluding any outside interference.
• We reiterated our commitment to jointly uphold traditional values and the historical truth, and to prevent the rewriting of history and the glorification of Nazism.
• We noted the counterproductive consequences of politicising international cultural, humanitarian, scientific and sports relations.
• We focused on creating a common Union State space in defence and security. We noted that the joint regional grouping of troops and forces deployed in the Republic, as well as advanced Russian defence complexes and tactical nuclear weapons which reliably shield our common western borders in accordance with the decisions of the presidents of the two countries, are quite helpful in achieving this goal.
Read in full
#RussiaBelarus
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇺🇳 On July 1, Russia assumed the UN Security Council Presidency, which, pursuant to the UN Charter, bears the primary responsibility for finding effective responses to threats to international peace and security.
Three central events have been planned during the Russian presidency:
🗓 July 16 – open ministerial-level debate on multilateral cooperation for a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.
🗓 July 17 – open ministerial-level debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
🗓 July 19 – debate in the Security Council on UN cooperation with the #CSTO, the #CIS and the #SCO.
The first two events will be chaired by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.
In general, the Council has a very busy agenda. The mandate-reporting cycle will include meetings on the situation in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, West Africa and the Sahel region, Yemen, Cyprus, Colombia, Lebanon and Syria, as well as on the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
The mandates of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement and the Security Council sanctions regime against the Central African Republic are scheduled for renewal.
The agenda also includes discussions on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2720 on the humanitarian mechanism for the Gaza Strip to be attended by the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag.
🇷🇺 The Russian Federation as a permanent member of the Security Council and a responsible participant in the international community, will traditionally make every effort to ensure a coherent and expeditious work of this agency. In this connection, Russia will urge its colleagues in the Security Council to seek common denominators, given due account of the interests of all the parties concerned.
Three central events have been planned during the Russian presidency:
🗓 July 16 – open ministerial-level debate on multilateral cooperation for a more just, democratic and sustainable world order.
🗓 July 17 – open ministerial-level debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
🗓 July 19 – debate in the Security Council on UN cooperation with the #CSTO, the #CIS and the #SCO.
The first two events will be chaired by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.
In general, the Council has a very busy agenda. The mandate-reporting cycle will include meetings on the situation in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, West Africa and the Sahel region, Yemen, Cyprus, Colombia, Lebanon and Syria, as well as on the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia.
The mandates of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement and the Security Council sanctions regime against the Central African Republic are scheduled for renewal.
The agenda also includes discussions on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2720 on the humanitarian mechanism for the Gaza Strip to be attended by the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag.
🇷🇺 The Russian Federation as a permanent member of the Security Council and a responsible participant in the international community, will traditionally make every effort to ensure a coherent and expeditious work of this agency. In this connection, Russia will urge its colleagues in the Security Council to seek common denominators, given due account of the interests of all the parties concerned.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
#Opinion
✍️ Dmitry Trenin, a research professor at the Higher School of Economics and a lead research fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, member of the Russian International Affairs Council.
Europe will eventually have to choose between the US and BRICS
Read in full
Key points:
💬 Rather than setting out to organize a genuine multipolar system based on mutual recognition of each nation’s core interests, <...> the US proceeded to enhance its exclusive and comprehensive dominance.
• This year, at the #BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan, the group will for the first time include the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Another major Eurasian institution is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO) <...> to be admitted soon. A number of other Eurasian countries, from Turkey to Thailand and from the Malpes to Mongolia, have voiced their intention to join either BRICS or SCO.
• To counter that trend among the members of what we increasingly call the World Majority, Washington has raised the profile of NATO in the Indo-Pacific; strengthened its Cold War-era bilateral and trilateral alliances in the Western Pacific, and founded a new one, #AUKUS, in the South Pacific.
❗️ All these multiple arrangements are completely dominated by the US and are aimed at containing and deterring Washington’s designated primary adversaries: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – with one overriding goal of defending America’s hegemonic position.
• In contrast to that, neither BRICS nor the SCO is dominated by a single power, or a tandem/triumvirate of nations. BRICS’s recent expansion also suggests that it does not aspire to become a version of the West’s G7, as an elitist steering group, or directoire, for the non-Western world.
• Neither BRICS nor the SCO is overtly anti-American or anti-Western: their main focus is internal rather than external, and they have their work cut out for them.
• The emerging mutual security space within the SCO will make the continent – minus Western Europe, for the time being – far more stable, whether in terms of strategic stability in major-power relations, regional security systems, or the risks of terrorism.
☝️ Eventually, the countries of Western Europe – or far western Eurasia, if you like – will have to make a choice between staying in the US orbit as America’s power continues to shrink, or reaching out east to a vast and vibrant new world next door.
✍️ Dmitry Trenin, a research professor at the Higher School of Economics and a lead research fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, member of the Russian International Affairs Council.
Europe will eventually have to choose between the US and BRICS
Read in full
Key points:
💬 Rather than setting out to organize a genuine multipolar system based on mutual recognition of each nation’s core interests, <...> the US proceeded to enhance its exclusive and comprehensive dominance.
• This year, at the #BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan, the group will for the first time include the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Another major Eurasian institution is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO) <...> to be admitted soon. A number of other Eurasian countries, from Turkey to Thailand and from the Malpes to Mongolia, have voiced their intention to join either BRICS or SCO.
• To counter that trend among the members of what we increasingly call the World Majority, Washington has raised the profile of NATO in the Indo-Pacific; strengthened its Cold War-era bilateral and trilateral alliances in the Western Pacific, and founded a new one, #AUKUS, in the South Pacific.
❗️ All these multiple arrangements are completely dominated by the US and are aimed at containing and deterring Washington’s designated primary adversaries: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – with one overriding goal of defending America’s hegemonic position.
• In contrast to that, neither BRICS nor the SCO is dominated by a single power, or a tandem/triumvirate of nations. BRICS’s recent expansion also suggests that it does not aspire to become a version of the West’s G7, as an elitist steering group, or directoire, for the non-Western world.
• Neither BRICS nor the SCO is overtly anti-American or anti-Western: their main focus is internal rather than external, and they have their work cut out for them.
• The emerging mutual security space within the SCO will make the continent – minus Western Europe, for the time being – far more stable, whether in terms of strategic stability in major-power relations, regional security systems, or the risks of terrorism.
☝️ Eventually, the countries of Western Europe – or far western Eurasia, if you like – will have to make a choice between staying in the US orbit as America’s power continues to shrink, or reaching out east to a vast and vibrant new world next door.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇨🇳 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin met with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana.
💬 Vladimir Putin: I remember how warmly you welcomed us all in China. I would like to thank you again for the hospitality you showed us, on behalf of my colleagues and myself. <...>
Our countries stood at the cradle of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2001. As the number of participants grew – and tomorrow Belarus will become another full member of the organisation – the #SCO also gained a bigger role as one of the key pillars of a just multipolar world order. We will certainly support China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024–2025 in every way.
🤝 We have repeatedly stated with good reason that Russia-China relations, our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, are going through the best period in their history. They are guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
☝️ Our cooperation is not directed against anyone. We do not create any blocs or alliances; we are simply acting in the interests of our people.
Russia and China continue the series of events dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries we are marking this year.
📈 Trade is on the rise – we noted this during my visit to the People’s Republic of China, and we can reaffirm this today. We saw more positive trends in the first half of this year. <...>
🌐 Russian-Chinese cooperation in global affairs serves as a main stabilising factor on the international stage, and we continue to further enhance it.
This year, Russia holds the presidency of #BRICS, another organisation created on our initiative, and we hope that you and our colleagues will take part in the Kazan Summit in October.
Read in full
#RussiaChina
💬 Vladimir Putin: I remember how warmly you welcomed us all in China. I would like to thank you again for the hospitality you showed us, on behalf of my colleagues and myself. <...>
Our countries stood at the cradle of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2001. As the number of participants grew – and tomorrow Belarus will become another full member of the organisation – the #SCO also gained a bigger role as one of the key pillars of a just multipolar world order. We will certainly support China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024–2025 in every way.
🤝 We have repeatedly stated with good reason that Russia-China relations, our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, are going through the best period in their history. They are guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
☝️ Our cooperation is not directed against anyone. We do not create any blocs or alliances; we are simply acting in the interests of our people.
Russia and China continue the series of events dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries we are marking this year.
📈 Trade is on the rise – we noted this during my visit to the People’s Republic of China, and we can reaffirm this today. We saw more positive trends in the first half of this year. <...>
🌐 Russian-Chinese cooperation in global affairs serves as a main stabilising factor on the international stage, and we continue to further enhance it.
This year, Russia holds the presidency of #BRICS, another organisation created on our initiative, and we hope that you and our colleagues will take part in the Kazan Summit in October.
Read in full
#RussiaChina
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
🇷🇺 Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The meeting is chaired by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and attended by heads of delegations of #SCO Member States and heads of the organisation's standing bodies.
✍️ The meeting began with the Leaders inking the decision to grant 🇧🇾 the Republic of Belarus status of a full SCO Member State.
The meeting is chaired by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and attended by heads of delegations of #SCO Member States and heads of the organisation's standing bodies.
✍️ The meeting began with the Leaders inking the decision to grant 🇧🇾 the Republic of Belarus status of a full SCO Member State.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin took part in a SCO Heads of State Council Meeting in Astana (July 4, 2024)
💬 First of all, I want to greet everybody and, of course, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, following the accession of the Republic of Belarus as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Russia gives high priority to partnership within the #SCO. We can state with satisfaction that this cooperation continues to develop consistently based on the principles of equality, consideration for each other’s interests, respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity, and cooperation in addressing important security issues.
<...>
Our countries are increasingly using national currencies for mutual settlements. For example, the share of national currencies in Russia's transactions with SCO members has exceeded 92 percent in the first four months of this year. I would like to reiterate Russia's proposal to establish a payment and settlement system within the SCO.
Regular meetings between our economic ministers, finance ministers and central bank governors are making a substantial contribution to the development of trade and investment relations in the SCO space.
<...>
Naturally, ensuring security within the Member States and along the external borders has always been a key focus of the SCO’s activities. Today, we have made decisions to upgrade the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure into a comprehensive centre that will address all security threats, as well as to establish an anti-drug centre in Dushanbe. The three-year cooperation programme we have approved will further strengthen our efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Read in full
💬 First of all, I want to greet everybody and, of course, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, following the accession of the Republic of Belarus as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Russia gives high priority to partnership within the #SCO. We can state with satisfaction that this cooperation continues to develop consistently based on the principles of equality, consideration for each other’s interests, respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity, and cooperation in addressing important security issues.
<...>
Our countries are increasingly using national currencies for mutual settlements. For example, the share of national currencies in Russia's transactions with SCO members has exceeded 92 percent in the first four months of this year. I would like to reiterate Russia's proposal to establish a payment and settlement system within the SCO.
Regular meetings between our economic ministers, finance ministers and central bank governors are making a substantial contribution to the development of trade and investment relations in the SCO space.
<...>
Naturally, ensuring security within the Member States and along the external borders has always been a key focus of the SCO’s activities. Today, we have made decisions to upgrade the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure into a comprehensive centre that will address all security threats, as well as to establish an anti-drug centre in Dushanbe. The three-year cooperation programme we have approved will further strengthen our efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🌐 A meeting in the SCO Plus format was held in Astana.
Taking part in the meeting were:
• the Leaders of #SCO Member States,
• the Heads of delegations from SCO observer countries and dialogue partners,
• the Heads of international organisations (the #UN, the #EEC, the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, the #CSTO, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, #CICA, and the #CIS);
• the guests of Kazakhstan’s Presidency.
The Russian delegation attending the meeting includes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
The theme of the SCO Plus meeting is Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development. The agenda includes international and regional issues related to the SCO’s cooperation with invited countries.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: I believe the growing interest in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation stems from our core values and ideals: a commitment to pursuing a sovereign and independent policy, alongside a collaborative approach with other countries to find collective solutions to global problems. These principles resonate with many around the world. <...>
It is evident that the SCO is now one of the biggest and most influential regional organisations. <...>
☝️ The world is becoming genuinely multipolar, with an increasing number of states ready to decisively assert their legitimate rights and interests. New centres of power are emerging, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is solidifying its position as one of these key centres.
<...>
We appreciate the sincere and concrete proposals from SCO member countries for the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, a result of the reckless and intrusive policies of the United States and its satellites.
As you know, Russia has never refused to negotiate, and is now ready to continue peace talks. It is Ukraine that withdrew from the talks, and it also did so publicly, on direct orders from London – which means Washington was also involved, there is no doubt about it – as Ukrainian officials have admitted bluntly and openly.
❗️ The Istanbul agreements – we have to give credit to the President of Türkiye, Mr Erdogan, for agreeing to be part of that process as a mediator – are still on the table.
<...>
🤝 The SCO Member States coordinate their actions on the international track, including at the United Nations, and their foreign policy approaches are largely in accord or closely aligned.
Read in full
Taking part in the meeting were:
• the Leaders of #SCO Member States,
• the Heads of delegations from SCO observer countries and dialogue partners,
• the Heads of international organisations (the #UN, the #EEC, the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, the #CSTO, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, #CICA, and the #CIS);
• the guests of Kazakhstan’s Presidency.
The Russian delegation attending the meeting includes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
The theme of the SCO Plus meeting is Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development. The agenda includes international and regional issues related to the SCO’s cooperation with invited countries.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: I believe the growing interest in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation stems from our core values and ideals: a commitment to pursuing a sovereign and independent policy, alongside a collaborative approach with other countries to find collective solutions to global problems. These principles resonate with many around the world. <...>
It is evident that the SCO is now one of the biggest and most influential regional organisations. <...>
☝️ The world is becoming genuinely multipolar, with an increasing number of states ready to decisively assert their legitimate rights and interests. New centres of power are emerging, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is solidifying its position as one of these key centres.
<...>
We appreciate the sincere and concrete proposals from SCO member countries for the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, a result of the reckless and intrusive policies of the United States and its satellites.
As you know, Russia has never refused to negotiate, and is now ready to continue peace talks. It is Ukraine that withdrew from the talks, and it also did so publicly, on direct orders from London – which means Washington was also involved, there is no doubt about it – as Ukrainian officials have admitted bluntly and openly.
❗️ The Istanbul agreements – we have to give credit to the President of Türkiye, Mr Erdogan, for agreeing to be part of that process as a mediator – are still on the table.
<...>
🤝 The SCO Member States coordinate their actions on the international track, including at the United Nations, and their foreign policy approaches are largely in accord or closely aligned.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 In conclusion of his working visit to Astana, Russia's President Vladimir Putin answered questions from representatives of Russian media (July 4, 2024)
Key talking points:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) started to gain traction and definitely became more necessary in today’s world, because it is clearly an independent centre of the new multipolar world. This is the feature that attracted the organisation members and those who wanted to maintain close contacts with it at various levels
• The Taliban controls the country [Afghanistan]. In this sense, the Taliban are, of course, our allies in countering terrorism, because any authority in power is interested in its own stability and the stability of the country it leads.
• We take seriously enough the things that Mr Trump is saying as a presidential candidate about his readiness and wish to stop the war in Ukraine. Naturally, I do not know his possible proposals as to how he is going to do it – and this is, of course, the key question. However, I have no doubt that he is saying it sincerely, and we support it.
• We cannot allow the adversary to take advantage of this ceasefire to improve its positions, rearm itself, fill up its army through forced mobilization, and get prepared to continue the armed conflict. We must ensure that the opposing side agrees to take steps that would be irreversible and acceptable to the Russian Federation.
❗️ We have always been in favour of negotiations, as you know. We never rejected them. The problem is that I consider it improbable that the conflict can be settled through mediators alone, above all because a mediator will not be authorised to sign any final documents.
⚡️ If US-made medium-range and shorter-range missiles appear in some place, we reserve the right to respond tit-for-tat.
• The US has indeed destroyed the fundamental documents that underpinned international stability and security. We did not withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which was a cornerstone, or the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the #CTBT. <...> All of this was done by the US.
Read in full
Key talking points:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) started to gain traction and definitely became more necessary in today’s world, because it is clearly an independent centre of the new multipolar world. This is the feature that attracted the organisation members and those who wanted to maintain close contacts with it at various levels
• The Taliban controls the country [Afghanistan]. In this sense, the Taliban are, of course, our allies in countering terrorism, because any authority in power is interested in its own stability and the stability of the country it leads.
• We take seriously enough the things that Mr Trump is saying as a presidential candidate about his readiness and wish to stop the war in Ukraine. Naturally, I do not know his possible proposals as to how he is going to do it – and this is, of course, the key question. However, I have no doubt that he is saying it sincerely, and we support it.
• We cannot allow the adversary to take advantage of this ceasefire to improve its positions, rearm itself, fill up its army through forced mobilization, and get prepared to continue the armed conflict. We must ensure that the opposing side agrees to take steps that would be irreversible and acceptable to the Russian Federation.
❗️ We have always been in favour of negotiations, as you know. We never rejected them. The problem is that I consider it improbable that the conflict can be settled through mediators alone, above all because a mediator will not be authorised to sign any final documents.
⚡️ If US-made medium-range and shorter-range missiles appear in some place, we reserve the right to respond tit-for-tat.
• The US has indeed destroyed the fundamental documents that underpinned international stability and security. We did not withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which was a cornerstone, or the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the #CTBT. <...> All of this was done by the US.
Read in full
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🇷🇺🇮🇳 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, on an official visit to Russia, held talks in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, this is your first official visit after your reappointment following parliamentary elections. I would like to congratulate you on this once again.
Our countries have long-time friendship and good relations that have evolved over the decades. This year, we are marking the 77th Anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Today, our relations have the status of a specially privileged strategic partnership. We are in permanent contact, and we prioritise the development of trade and economic ties. Certainly, their development meets the interests of the people of India and the peoples of the Russian Federation.
📈 Last year, our trade soared by 60 percent and even more, by 66 percent; it increased by an additional 20 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
🌐 We cooperate closely on the international arena, including at international organisations, primarily the #UN and such associations as the #SCO and #BRICS.
Yesterday, we had an opportunity to discuss virtually all practical issues in an informal setting. I am grateful to you for devoting attention to the most acute issues and for trying to find some options for resolving the Ukraine crisis, primarily by peaceful methods.
Mr Prime Minister, we will be delighted to see you in Kazan this autumn at the upcoming BRICS Summit.
At the end of my opening remarks, I would like to wish you new successes in facilitating the development of the Indian state. You and I know each other for a long time, and I know that your entire life is devoted to implementing the idea of strengthening the Indian state and improving the life of the people of India.
Read in full
#RussiaIndia
💬 Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, this is your first official visit after your reappointment following parliamentary elections. I would like to congratulate you on this once again.
Our countries have long-time friendship and good relations that have evolved over the decades. This year, we are marking the 77th Anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Today, our relations have the status of a specially privileged strategic partnership. We are in permanent contact, and we prioritise the development of trade and economic ties. Certainly, their development meets the interests of the people of India and the peoples of the Russian Federation.
📈 Last year, our trade soared by 60 percent and even more, by 66 percent; it increased by an additional 20 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
🌐 We cooperate closely on the international arena, including at international organisations, primarily the #UN and such associations as the #SCO and #BRICS.
Yesterday, we had an opportunity to discuss virtually all practical issues in an informal setting. I am grateful to you for devoting attention to the most acute issues and for trying to find some options for resolving the Ukraine crisis, primarily by peaceful methods.
Mr Prime Minister, we will be delighted to see you in Kazan this autumn at the upcoming BRICS Summit.
At the end of my opening remarks, I would like to wish you new successes in facilitating the development of the Indian state. You and I know each other for a long time, and I know that your entire life is devoted to implementing the idea of strengthening the Indian state and improving the life of the people of India.
Read in full
#RussiaIndia
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Statement by FM Sergey Lavrov during the UNSC meeting on multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order
📍 New York, July 16, 2024
💬 Today, the very foundations of the international legal order - strategic stability and the UN-centric system of international politics - are put to the test. We won’t be able to resolve the mounting conflicts unless we understand their root causes and restore faith in our ability to join forces for the common good and justice for all.
Let’s face it: not all countries represented in this chamber recognise the key principle of the UN Charter which is the sovereign equality of all states. Speaking through its presidents, the US has long declared its exceptionalism. This applies to Washington’s attitude towards its allies, whom it demands to be unquestioningly obedient even to the detriment of their national interests.
👉 Rule, America! This is the thrust of the notorious “rules-based order” which presents a direct threat to multilateralism and international peace.
The most important components of international law - the UN Charter and the resolutions of our Council - are interpreted by the collective West in a perverse and selective manner, depending on the instructions coming from the White House.
Key talking points:
• Washington’s hegemonistic policy has been the same for decades. Absolutely all schemes of Euro-Atlantic security were based on America’s domination, including the subjugation of Europe and the “containment” of Russia. The main role in this was assigned to NATO, which has ultimately tramped down the European Union that had been created to serve Europeans. The alliance has unceremoniously privatised OSCE bodies in brazen violation of the Helsinki Final Act.
• The unrestrained enlargement of NATO, which went on for years contrary to Moscow’s warnings, has also provoked the Ukraine crisis that began with the state coup organised by Washington in February 2014 to seize full control of Ukraine and use the neo-Nazi regime they brought to power to prepare an attack on Russia.
• NATO’s military infrastructure is moving into the Pacific with the obvious aim of undermining the ASEAN-centric architecture, which has for many decades been built on the principles of equality, mutual interests and consensus.
• Where are the free market attributes that the US and its allies have been telling everyone to follow for so many years? Market economy, fair competition, inviolability of private property, presumption of innocence, freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services - all of these have been scrapped.
• The pivotal element of the reform of the UN should be the reshuffle of the UN Security Council, <...> which clearly has too many representatives of the collective West. A badly needed step is to reach the broadest accord possible on the concrete parameters of the reform, which should increase the representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• The personnel policy of the UN Secretariat should be changed as well to eliminate the domination of Western citizens and subjects in the administrative UN bodies. The UN Secretary-General and his staff must faithfully and with no exceptions comply with the principles of impartiality and neutrality.
• #BRICS and the #SCO are playing an increasing role in the development of a just multilateral world based on the principles of the UN Charter. Their member states represent different regions and civilisations whose interaction is based on equality, mutual respect, consensus and mutually accepted compromises, which is the golden standard of multilateral cooperation involving great powers.
❗️ The UN will be able to overcome current disagreements and to reach consensus on most issues if everyone, without exception, honours its letter and spirit. “The end of history” has failed to materialise. Let us work together in the interests of launching the history of genuine multilateralism that reflects the entire wealth of cultural and civilisational diversity of the world’s nations.
📍 New York, July 16, 2024
💬 Today, the very foundations of the international legal order - strategic stability and the UN-centric system of international politics - are put to the test. We won’t be able to resolve the mounting conflicts unless we understand their root causes and restore faith in our ability to join forces for the common good and justice for all.
Let’s face it: not all countries represented in this chamber recognise the key principle of the UN Charter which is the sovereign equality of all states. Speaking through its presidents, the US has long declared its exceptionalism. This applies to Washington’s attitude towards its allies, whom it demands to be unquestioningly obedient even to the detriment of their national interests.
👉 Rule, America! This is the thrust of the notorious “rules-based order” which presents a direct threat to multilateralism and international peace.
The most important components of international law - the UN Charter and the resolutions of our Council - are interpreted by the collective West in a perverse and selective manner, depending on the instructions coming from the White House.
Key talking points:
• Washington’s hegemonistic policy has been the same for decades. Absolutely all schemes of Euro-Atlantic security were based on America’s domination, including the subjugation of Europe and the “containment” of Russia. The main role in this was assigned to NATO, which has ultimately tramped down the European Union that had been created to serve Europeans. The alliance has unceremoniously privatised OSCE bodies in brazen violation of the Helsinki Final Act.
• The unrestrained enlargement of NATO, which went on for years contrary to Moscow’s warnings, has also provoked the Ukraine crisis that began with the state coup organised by Washington in February 2014 to seize full control of Ukraine and use the neo-Nazi regime they brought to power to prepare an attack on Russia.
• NATO’s military infrastructure is moving into the Pacific with the obvious aim of undermining the ASEAN-centric architecture, which has for many decades been built on the principles of equality, mutual interests and consensus.
• Where are the free market attributes that the US and its allies have been telling everyone to follow for so many years? Market economy, fair competition, inviolability of private property, presumption of innocence, freedom of movement of people, goods, capital and services - all of these have been scrapped.
• The pivotal element of the reform of the UN should be the reshuffle of the UN Security Council, <...> which clearly has too many representatives of the collective West. A badly needed step is to reach the broadest accord possible on the concrete parameters of the reform, which should increase the representation of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• The personnel policy of the UN Secretariat should be changed as well to eliminate the domination of Western citizens and subjects in the administrative UN bodies. The UN Secretary-General and his staff must faithfully and with no exceptions comply with the principles of impartiality and neutrality.
• #BRICS and the #SCO are playing an increasing role in the development of a just multilateral world based on the principles of the UN Charter. Their member states represent different regions and civilisations whose interaction is based on equality, mutual respect, consensus and mutually accepted compromises, which is the golden standard of multilateral cooperation involving great powers.
❗️ The UN will be able to overcome current disagreements and to reach consensus on most issues if everyone, without exception, honours its letter and spirit. “The end of history” has failed to materialise. Let us work together in the interests of launching the history of genuine multilateralism that reflects the entire wealth of cultural and civilisational diversity of the world’s nations.
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions following his visit to the United States within the framework of Russia’s UN Security Council Presidency
📍 New York, July 17, 2024
💬 I came to New York for two key events – open debates – that were held yesterday and today within the framework of Russia’s UN Security Council Presidency. Not only members of the Security Council but all other delegations could attend them. You saw how many of them did so.
The first issue we proposed for discussion yesterday concerned the conceptual framework of international relations, multilateralism and multipolarity. We pointed out the gradual erosion of system that was created after the Second World War on the basis of the central role of the UN.
I hope that you listened to my statement and to the statements made by other participants. We did not expect to come to agreement on the majority of issues, considering the current tensions on the international stage and the state of relations between the collective West and the Global Majority.
☝️ Although we had no big illusions, I believe that it was a useful discussion. At the very least, the overwhelming majority of participants agreed that we have problems. Many of them expressed opinions that coincide with our vision of the objective development of a multipolar world order, which I presented in my statement.
Another conclusion is that this discussion will most certainly be continued. There is an apparent interest for this, and it is growing. We will actively keep it up, and we will organise additional discussions on this issue not only at the UN but also at other multilateral platforms, including at the Group of Twenty, at associations such as #BRICS and the #SCO, as well as in the framework of our contacts with the regional organisations of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The restoration of trust is the top priority now, as the representative of Guyana pointed out yesterday. So far, there was no hint of dialogue. Another important statement he made was that trust could only be rebuilt if all parties without exception comply with the agreements reached. This is not the case so far. Examples of that were provided yesterday in my statement and in the statements of other participants.
Overwhelming evidence of that was also provided during today’s open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The overwhelming majority of the UN resolutions on Palestine have not been implemented. The second debate I have mentioned is not over yet. Many speakers have called for taking resolute steps. We hold a similar view. The first steps must include the termination of hostilities, a permanent ceasefire, the settlement of critical humanitarian problems and, of course, the termination of Israel’s actions to create illegal settlements. We hope that if or when this is done, this will create conditions for resuming negotiations on the implementation of UN decisions on the establishment of the Palestinian state that would live in peace and security with Israel.
<...>
🤝 I have held a series of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Arab countries, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, and with Head of the Federal Department (Minister) of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis.
📄 Read in full
📍 New York, July 17, 2024
💬 I came to New York for two key events – open debates – that were held yesterday and today within the framework of Russia’s UN Security Council Presidency. Not only members of the Security Council but all other delegations could attend them. You saw how many of them did so.
The first issue we proposed for discussion yesterday concerned the conceptual framework of international relations, multilateralism and multipolarity. We pointed out the gradual erosion of system that was created after the Second World War on the basis of the central role of the UN.
I hope that you listened to my statement and to the statements made by other participants. We did not expect to come to agreement on the majority of issues, considering the current tensions on the international stage and the state of relations between the collective West and the Global Majority.
☝️ Although we had no big illusions, I believe that it was a useful discussion. At the very least, the overwhelming majority of participants agreed that we have problems. Many of them expressed opinions that coincide with our vision of the objective development of a multipolar world order, which I presented in my statement.
Another conclusion is that this discussion will most certainly be continued. There is an apparent interest for this, and it is growing. We will actively keep it up, and we will organise additional discussions on this issue not only at the UN but also at other multilateral platforms, including at the Group of Twenty, at associations such as #BRICS and the #SCO, as well as in the framework of our contacts with the regional organisations of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The restoration of trust is the top priority now, as the representative of Guyana pointed out yesterday. So far, there was no hint of dialogue. Another important statement he made was that trust could only be rebuilt if all parties without exception comply with the agreements reached. This is not the case so far. Examples of that were provided yesterday in my statement and in the statements of other participants.
Overwhelming evidence of that was also provided during today’s open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The overwhelming majority of the UN resolutions on Palestine have not been implemented. The second debate I have mentioned is not over yet. Many speakers have called for taking resolute steps. We hold a similar view. The first steps must include the termination of hostilities, a permanent ceasefire, the settlement of critical humanitarian problems and, of course, the termination of Israel’s actions to create illegal settlements. We hope that if or when this is done, this will create conditions for resuming negotiations on the implementation of UN decisions on the establishment of the Palestinian state that would live in peace and security with Israel.
<...>
🤝 I have held a series of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Arab countries, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, and with Head of the Federal Department (Minister) of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis.
📄 Read in full
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 🇷🇺
🇺🇳 The Russian Federation completed its Presidency in the United Nations Security Council on July 31. Its packed agenda revolved around three central events, with the first two of them attended by FM Sergey Lavrov.
On July 16, we held a high-level open debate titled “Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order,” which reaffirmed the need to hold detailed discussions dealing with the underpinnings of the emerging multipolar world order, the objective to reinforce a UN-centred system of international relations, as well as the need to carry out a comprehensive review of the root causes of present-day conflicts and to consolidate our efforts in order to overcome them. The fact that the Global Majority tends to distrust the infamous Western concept of a rules-based world order was also mentioned during the debate.
On July 17, the Security Council held a quarterly ministerial-level debate on the agenda item titled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.” During this meeting, participants discussed the situation in the region with all its tension, while placing a special emphasis on the escalating violence in the Arab-Israeli conflict zone for finding ways out of this unprecedented crisis. In addition to this, the UNSC held separate meetings on July 26 and 31 on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the assassination of the Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
On July 19, the UNSC held a debate titled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (#CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (#CIS), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO).” In his remarks, Deputy FM Sergey Vershinin stressed the importance for the UN to work closer with constructive regional organisations. <...>
In addition to this, Russia’s UNSC Presidency included all the events as part of the mandate-reporting cycle.
👉 The Middle East bloc included meetings on Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
👉 The African agenda covered discussions of the situation in West Africa, the Sahara and Sahel region, and the DR Congo.
👉 The council also touched upon peacebuilding efforts in Columbia and the start of deploying the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
👉 We exchanged views on the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Cyprus settlement.
❗️The Ukraine crisis remained high on the agenda. On July 9, Western countries convened a Security Council meeting in connection with the tragic incident involving a children’s hospital in Kiev. During the debate, the Russian delegation refuted accusations by its opponents and shared evidence demonstrating that the Ukrainian air defence systems were to blame for the incident. On July 25, Russia initiated a UNSC meeting to discuss the unrelenting flow of Western weapons into Ukraine, which delays a settlement in this conflict and leads to more victims.
The Security Council adopted four resolutions in July:
✅ on focusing the CAR arms embargo on illegal armed groups;
✅ extending the mandates for the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti;
✅ regarding the UN Focal Point on delisting-related matters and re-establishing the Informal Working Group of the Security Council on General UNSC Sanctions Issues.
🇺🇳 Russia went to great lengths to enable the Security Council to be effective and responsive in its work. We encouraged our colleagues within the Council to come up with collective responses when dealing with challenges to peace and security, while seeking guidance from a holistic view of the purposes and principles set forth in the UN Charter and their inter-connected nature. The central events on the agenda of the Russian Presidency attracted a lot of attention within the international community, reaffirming our country’s high authority and the respect it commands as a UN founding member and permanent member of the Security Council.
Read in full
#RussiaUN
On July 16, we held a high-level open debate titled “Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order,” which reaffirmed the need to hold detailed discussions dealing with the underpinnings of the emerging multipolar world order, the objective to reinforce a UN-centred system of international relations, as well as the need to carry out a comprehensive review of the root causes of present-day conflicts and to consolidate our efforts in order to overcome them. The fact that the Global Majority tends to distrust the infamous Western concept of a rules-based world order was also mentioned during the debate.
On July 17, the Security Council held a quarterly ministerial-level debate on the agenda item titled “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.” During this meeting, participants discussed the situation in the region with all its tension, while placing a special emphasis on the escalating violence in the Arab-Israeli conflict zone for finding ways out of this unprecedented crisis. In addition to this, the UNSC held separate meetings on July 26 and 31 on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the assassination of the Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
On July 19, the UNSC held a debate titled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (#CSTO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (#CIS), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (#SCO).” In his remarks, Deputy FM Sergey Vershinin stressed the importance for the UN to work closer with constructive regional organisations. <...>
In addition to this, Russia’s UNSC Presidency included all the events as part of the mandate-reporting cycle.
👉 The Middle East bloc included meetings on Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
👉 The African agenda covered discussions of the situation in West Africa, the Sahara and Sahel region, and the DR Congo.
👉 The council also touched upon peacebuilding efforts in Columbia and the start of deploying the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
👉 We exchanged views on the activities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the Cyprus settlement.
❗️The Ukraine crisis remained high on the agenda. On July 9, Western countries convened a Security Council meeting in connection with the tragic incident involving a children’s hospital in Kiev. During the debate, the Russian delegation refuted accusations by its opponents and shared evidence demonstrating that the Ukrainian air defence systems were to blame for the incident. On July 25, Russia initiated a UNSC meeting to discuss the unrelenting flow of Western weapons into Ukraine, which delays a settlement in this conflict and leads to more victims.
The Security Council adopted four resolutions in July:
✅ on focusing the CAR arms embargo on illegal armed groups;
✅ extending the mandates for the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti;
✅ regarding the UN Focal Point on delisting-related matters and re-establishing the Informal Working Group of the Security Council on General UNSC Sanctions Issues.
🇺🇳 Russia went to great lengths to enable the Security Council to be effective and responsive in its work. We encouraged our colleagues within the Council to come up with collective responses when dealing with challenges to peace and security, while seeking guidance from a holistic view of the purposes and principles set forth in the UN Charter and their inter-connected nature. The central events on the agenda of the Russian Presidency attracted a lot of attention within the international community, reaffirming our country’s high authority and the respect it commands as a UN founding member and permanent member of the Security Council.
Read in full
#RussiaUN
Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organisers and guests of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (August 27, 2024)
💬 It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 9th Eastern Economic Forum.
Over the years, the Forum has contributed significantly to the development of constructive economic ties between our country and other states in the Asia-Pacific region. A direct, informal communication that occurs here between Russian entrepreneurs and their foreign counterparts, government agencies, social organisations, and the expert community makes it possible for us to discuss many topical issues on the regional agenda and develop beneficial projects together, a fact reflected in the forum’s slogan this year, ‘Far East 2030. Combining Strengths to Create New Potential’.
The influence of the Asia-Pacific region in international affairs is growing fast. New opportunities for productive cooperation are opening up here, including within such authoritative multilateral structures as the Eurasian Economic Community, the #SCO, and #BRICS. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that Russia is open to dialogue with all interested partners in the Asia-Pacific region and is determined to actively interact with others to build a fairer, more democratic system of international relations based on genuine equality, with no place for dictate, strong-arm tactics or sanctions pressure.
🤝 The Forum participants are to discuss new promising forms of cooperation in various areas, from transport, energy and infrastructure to ecology and tourism. I trust you will enjoy constructive, informative discussions while your proposals and initiatives will be in demand on a practical level.
I wish you every success and all the best.
#EEF2024
💬 It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 9th Eastern Economic Forum.
Over the years, the Forum has contributed significantly to the development of constructive economic ties between our country and other states in the Asia-Pacific region. A direct, informal communication that occurs here between Russian entrepreneurs and their foreign counterparts, government agencies, social organisations, and the expert community makes it possible for us to discuss many topical issues on the regional agenda and develop beneficial projects together, a fact reflected in the forum’s slogan this year, ‘Far East 2030. Combining Strengths to Create New Potential’.
The influence of the Asia-Pacific region in international affairs is growing fast. New opportunities for productive cooperation are opening up here, including within such authoritative multilateral structures as the Eurasian Economic Community, the #SCO, and #BRICS. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that Russia is open to dialogue with all interested partners in the Asia-Pacific region and is determined to actively interact with others to build a fairer, more democratic system of international relations based on genuine equality, with no place for dictate, strong-arm tactics or sanctions pressure.
🤝 The Forum participants are to discuss new promising forms of cooperation in various areas, from transport, energy and infrastructure to ecology and tourism. I trust you will enjoy constructive, informative discussions while your proposals and initiatives will be in demand on a practical level.
I wish you every success and all the best.
#EEF2024
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.
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❗️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.
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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.
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🇷🇺🌐 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
Invitation to participate in the #BRICS summit in Russia’s Kazan was sent to 38 countries in total; 32 of them already confirmed their participation.
Other statements made by Russian president’s aide Yuri Ushakov:
👉 The leaders of nine #BRICS member countries will take part in the summit in Kazan, Saudi Arabia will be represented by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
👉 The secretaries general of the #UN, #SCO, #CIS, Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU), #UnionState, and the president of the New Development Bank will take part in the summit;
👉 The #BRICS summit in Kazan will be the largest foreign policy event ever held in Russia;
👉 The launch of a single financial platform, clearing infrastructure and reinsurance company within #BRICS will expand the practice of settlements in national currencies and reduce costs in mutual trade;
👉 Russia regards the launch of new formats of interaction in the transport and logistics sector, nuclear medicine, and climate spheres as an achievement of its #BRICS chairmanship.
#BRICS2024
Other statements made by Russian president’s aide Yuri Ushakov:
👉 The leaders of nine #BRICS member countries will take part in the summit in Kazan, Saudi Arabia will be represented by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
👉 The secretaries general of the #UN, #SCO, #CIS, Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU), #UnionState, and the president of the New Development Bank will take part in the summit;
👉 The #BRICS summit in Kazan will be the largest foreign policy event ever held in Russia;
👉 The launch of a single financial platform, clearing infrastructure and reinsurance company within #BRICS will expand the practice of settlements in national currencies and reduce costs in mutual trade;
👉 Russia regards the launch of new formats of interaction in the transport and logistics sector, nuclear medicine, and climate spheres as an achievement of its #BRICS chairmanship.
#BRICS2024
🎙 Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov:
President Vladimir Putin, in his address at the Russian Foreign Ministry on June 14 this year, outlined the goal of fostering cooperation among the diverse countries and associations of the Eurasian continent. This aims to harmonise their efforts towards ensuring reliable stability, security, and sustainable development.
☝️ It was underscored that this initiative is open to all countries and entities on the Eurasian continent, including its western sections, without exception.
This is not in line with the rules imposed by #NATO and the #EuropeanUnion, where Washington and Brussels dictate terms, but rather adheres to the principles spelled out in the #UN Charter.
🤝 These principles are observed within the #EAEU, the #SCO, #ASEAN, and other organisations on our shared continent. It is a commitment to sovereign equality of states, mutual respect for each other's interests, and pursuit of balanced interests to implement constructive projects.
🔗 Read Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks following the 21st annual session of the Valdai International Discussion Club
#Valdai2024
President Vladimir Putin, in his address at the Russian Foreign Ministry on June 14 this year, outlined the goal of fostering cooperation among the diverse countries and associations of the Eurasian continent. This aims to harmonise their efforts towards ensuring reliable stability, security, and sustainable development.
☝️ It was underscored that this initiative is open to all countries and entities on the Eurasian continent, including its western sections, without exception.
This is not in line with the rules imposed by #NATO and the #EuropeanUnion, where Washington and Brussels dictate terms, but rather adheres to the principles spelled out in the #UN Charter.
🤝 These principles are observed within the #EAEU, the #SCO, #ASEAN, and other organisations on our shared continent. It is a commitment to sovereign equality of states, mutual respect for each other's interests, and pursuit of balanced interests to implement constructive projects.
🔗 Read Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks following the 21st annual session of the Valdai International Discussion Club
#Valdai2024