Ahead of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum next week, Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko discussed the emergence of a multipolar world. They also exchanged views on the current international situation, including the situation in Europe.
The Russian side highlighted the confrontational policy of the collective West towards Russia and other states pursuing their national interests. They emphasized the responsibility of the European Union and NATO for undermining global security, the rise of neo-Nazism, and the escalation of the conflict around Ukraine.
Other regional and international issues were also discussed, including cooperation within BRICS under the Russian Chairmanship and aspects of Eurasian security. Both parties reaffirmed their intention to continue the dialogue.
27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum: President Putin’s Greetings
Earlier this week, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants, organizers, and guests of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will take place in St Petersburg from June 5-8, 2024. In his message, the Russian leader stated that for over a quarter of a century, the Forum has provided an opportunity for politicians, experts, business leaders, academics, and media professionals from around the world to hold in-depth discussions on key economic development trends in Russia and the world.
Participants in plenary sessions, roundtables, and panel discussions exchange views on ways to promote international cooperation, encourage scientific and technological progress, develop human capital, and effectively tackle the challenges we face.
The theme of the current meeting, “The Foundations of a Multipolar World – The Formation of New Areas of Growth.”
This is highly relevant and meaningful, said the Russian leader. In his address he stated that a growing part of the international community favours building a just and democratic system of international relations based on the principles of genuine equality, consideration for each other’s legitimate interests, and respect for the cultural and civilizational diversity of nations.
These principles underpin the activities of BRICS, which Russia is chairing this year. It is symbolic that the history of this dynamically developing association, whose members already account for more than a third of the global economy, began at the 10th St Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2006.
“Our country is open to constructive dialogue and interaction with partners and is ready to work together to address the economic, social, scientific, and technological challenges of our time. I am confident that the Forum will jump-start new and promising initiatives and projects, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries and peoples,” said President Putin.