Latest news with #RoscongressFoundation
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
SPIEF 2025 deepens Egypt-Russia strategic partnership - Economy
Russia underscored its deepening strategic partnership with Egypt during the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025), highlighting their ongoing cooperation as a cornerstone of Moscow's engagement with the Arab world. Since Egypt's designation as the forum's guest country in 2022, bilateral relations between both nations have expanded significantly across energy, infrastructure, investment, and education. This marked Cairo as a key partner in Russia's vision for a balanced and multipolar global economy. "The collaboration with Egypt continues to serve as a model for regional cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared interests," Anton Kobyakov, advisor to the president of the Russian Federation and executive secretary of the SPIEF organizing committee, said at the forum's final press conference. He emphasized that Russia remains committed to fostering ties with Arab states — including Bahrain, the 2025 guest country, and Saudi Arabia, which will hold the role in 2026 — as part of its broader strategy to enhance connectivity across the Global South. Kobyakov also praised Egypt's pivotal role in building consensus on economic sovereignty and its contributions to joint initiatives launched during and after its guest country status. 'Egypt has proven to be a reliable and visionary partner,' he noted. 'Our cooperation reflects the core values of SPIEF—shared growth, balanced dialogue, and regional inclusion.' This year's forum, held under the theme 'Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World,' brought together global stakeholders committed to forging new paths of economic cooperation independent of unilateral Western influence. Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, SPIEF 2025 reinforced its reputation as the premier annual platform for international economic policy discussions. Kobyakov reported that 1,060 agreements were signed during the forum, totaling 6.3 trillion rubles (approximately $83 billion). The programme included 350 official sessions, 24 high-level bilateral economic dialogues, 30 sports events, and 18 cultural competitions, demonstrating the forum's comprehensive nature as both a diplomatic and socio-economic platform. With participants from 140 countries and regions, SPIEF 2025 featured the presence of heads of state, ministers, multinational business executives, sovereign wealth funds, and representatives from over 220 educational institutions. The international youth initiative, 'Friends of Leadership,' drew participants from over 60 countries, working alongside UN-affiliated organizations to shape the next generation's perspectives on global governance. Kobyakov announced that St. Petersburg will host a new International Transport and Logistics Forum in 2026, reinforcing Russia's focus on securing resilient and autonomous global trade networks. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of emerging technologies and regional cooperation frameworks, particularly BRICS and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), in adapting to a shifting geopolitical landscape. 'The future of global trade lies in the rise of self-reliant macro-regions,' Kobyakov said. 'Those with production, energy, and food security—anchored in political sovereignty—will be best positioned to navigate global instability,' he concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: SPIEF 2025 Showcases Russia's Multipolar Vision
Russia's President Vladimir Putin gives a speech at the plenary session during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 20, 2025. The 28th edition of Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) takes place at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre in Saint Petersburg on June 18-21, 2025. The 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), now in its 28th year, opens at a time of deep geopolitical flux and economic recalibration. With the theme Shared Values as a Foundation for Growth in a Multipolar World, this year's forum underscores Russia's evolving global posture, moving decisively away from Western-centric models of engagement and toward a new architecture of international cooperation defined by strategic partnerships, economic sovereignty, and multipolar governance. Historically, SPIEF was conceived as a bridge between Russia and the West, a high-level platform for promoting trade, attracting foreign investment, and integrating into global markets. However, since the 2014 Ukraine crisis and more acutely after the 2022 conflict escalation, Russia has reoriented its external strategy. The forum has transformed from a forum of Western corporate courtship to one of alternative economic diplomacy, positioning itself as a cornerstone in the reconfiguration of global economic power. 2025 SPIEF This year's SPIEF, coordinated by the Roscongress Foundation under presidential patronage, drew tens of thousands of delegates from over 140 countries. Among them were not only government representatives, entrepreneurs, and investors but also institutions committed to restructuring the international trade and financial systems. Key themes that dominated the forum included the expanded role of BRICS, development of new trade corridors, restructuring of energy markets, and increased cooperation with the Global South, particularly in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. One of the most anticipated aspects of the forum was the ongoing evolution of BRICS. Following its expansion at the 2024 Kazan Summit, the group has now introduced a flexible partner country format. This allows countries such as Belarus, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, and Uzbekistan to actively engage with BRICS' platforms without needing full membership. This strategic move reflects Moscow's attempt to create a broader coalition of like-minded states seeking to de-dollarise trade, foster technological self-sufficiency, and share a vision of multipolar cooperation free from Western ideological constraints. As Moscow deepens these ties, SPIEF 2025 is becoming a space to facilitate new forms of South-South cooperation. Leaders and delegations from Latin America, ASEAN, and Africa have taken part in panels ranging from agricultural supply chain restructuring to joint development of digital platforms and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This is not mere rhetoric. Countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, and the UAE are already engaged in concrete trade, energy, and investment initiatives with Russia, many of which were formalised or advanced at SPIEF. Strategic Realignment Amidst this realignment, Russia is also repositioning its energy strategy. The decoupling from European markets has prompted Moscow to look East and South, forging long-term contracts with buyers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This reorientation is not just a matter of necessity—it is a foundational element of a broader doctrine of energy sovereignty. SPIEF discussions have focused heavily on supply diversification, infrastructure financing, and national energy security frameworks, with an eye toward insulating Russia's energy exports from Western sanctions and environmental conditions. Parallel conversations about the global energy transition are also taking place, particularly on the sidelines, where experts and state officials debate how to reconcile decarbonisation ambitions with the realities of industrial development in the Global South. Russia's traditional sphere of influence Meanwhile, SPIEF is also being used as a vehicle to reinforce Russia's influence in its traditional sphere of interest, the post-Soviet space. Business forums with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) remain central to Russia's strategy of regional leadership. These economic ties often function as proxies for deeper political influence, particularly in moments when diplomatic relations fluctuate. Even Moldova, whose Western aspirations have grown is included in proposed economic talks, indicating that Moscow continues to leverage trade and investment as tools for geopolitical alignment. On the broader stage, the forum has witnessed notable diplomatic gestures. Indonesia's decision to deepen bilateral cooperation, and the UAE's growing $10 billion trade relationship with Russia, signal a shift in global power balances. Thailand's potential free trade agreement under BRICS, and Brazil's increasing alignment with multipolar economic values, all point to a future where Russia is more deeply embedded in a web of global partnerships that bypass traditional Western frameworks. SPIEF 2025, is far more than a trade expo. It is a demonstration of intent—a statement that Russia, despite sanctions, isolation, and war, is not retreating from the global stage but rather repositioning itself to lead in a world where power is distributed, values are plural, and alliances are diverse. It is an affirmation that the age of unipolar dominance is over, and that a new, more contested, and more balanced global order is beginning to take shape with Russia at its centre. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Chloe Maluleke Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Russian & Middle Eastern Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Russia keen on expanding investment in Egypt energy sector with Egyptian partners: REW Director - Foreign Affairs
Russia is looking forward to discussing expanding energy cooperation with Egyptian partners during the Russian Energy Week this October, according to Vladimir Zatyinaiko, deputy director of the Roscongress Foundation and director of the Russian Energy Week (REW). Zatyinaiko told Ahram Online that Egyptian partners will join discussions at the forum on investment, logistics, and the development of energy infrastructure, including electricity, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy, and nuclear power. His remarks came on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held from 18 to 21 June and organized by the Roscongress Foundation. This year's SPIEF was held under the theme: Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World. Russian Energy Week will take place from 15 to 17 October in Moscow. 'Russian Energy Week is among the leading energy forums in the world with a participation of 82 countries,' Zatyinaiko said. "During the Energy Week, we invite experts from all over the world. We have common projects with Egyptian partners. Closely working with Latin America, ASEAN, BRICS representatives, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We expect this interview to bring even more attention to the event.' He added: 'Russian Energy Week is a leading energy forum in the world. It is a key platform for discussing current issues and challenges in the energy sector worldwide. Our main goal is to gather at the same platform the representatives of the government, business, and the sector's experts to form common practices and define the future vision of the energy sector. REW grows annually, the business programme and the exhibition programme are improving each year.' 'In the context of the current world climate, I believe the Russian Energy Week unites people, and we are prepared to invite experts from all over the world during the Energy Week,' he said. Zatyinaiko said that the forum had become more relevant in the context of sanctions and ongoing geopolitical tensions and attracted growing international interest. 'As our political climate is quite tense, the Russian Energy Week has become increasingly popular. The number of applications for participation is growing. I can say openly that we don't impose any sanctions and restrictions. We are ready to accept delegates and representatives of technologies and equipment in our country.' He highlighted past activities and said several agreements had been signed in recent years between Russian companies and partners in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. 'We have also signed an agreement with the African Energy Chamber. The agreements are concerned with joint projects in the field of generation, infrastructure maintenance, equipment supply and technology transfer. Throughout the years, all the events that are held by the Roscongress Foundation raise questions that are important for the whole world's energy sector.' He said input from other global energy forums would help shape this year's REW agenda. 'We have several similar world platforms, conclusions of which we will include in the Russian Energy Week agenda. Global dynamics are changing the relationship between countries. We are trying to use interesting formats in the business programme. We are introducing so-called energy talks. These are the limited topic meetings with the representatives of Africa, ASEAN, and BRICS, where specific scenarios of energy cooperation are going to be discussed.' He added that plans were underway to expand the forum's programming. 'Plans for interesting business sessions, intellectual battles, developing the exhibition for the second year in parallel with the main event.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
21-06-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Global economy undergoing largest-scale transformation: Putin - International
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the global economy is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, as emerging powers reshape the balance of influence and redraw the economic map. At the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin highlighted the growing influence of the so-called "global majority" — a term increasingly used in Russian and Chinese diplomatic rhetoric to describe countries outside the traditional Western bloc. 'At the beginning of the 21st century, BRICS countries accounted for one-fifth of the global economy. Today, they represent 40 percent, and this share is set to grow — inevitably,' Putin said. This year's SPIEF, held from 18 to 21 June under the theme Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World, is organized by the Kremlin-aligned Roscongress Foundation. Among the high-profile attendees at the plenary were Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Bahrain's National Security Adviser Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Putin argued that economic growth in the Global South is becoming 'increasingly sustainable' and demanded a new development model, free from what he described as neocolonial economic practices. 'We need a fundamentally different model, not one based on the rules of neocolonialism, where the so-called 'golden billion' is extracting resources from all other countries for the benefit of a narrow circle of elites,' he said. 'This isn't even in the interest of the people in those countries, but solely their elites.' Putin criticized the United States, claiming its economic gains had disproportionately benefited wealthy elites and not average citizens over the past decade. He linked this disparity to broader global political shifts. 'The middle class, regular citizens, haven't seen the benefits of this growth. That's one of the reasons we're witnessing political changes globally,' he said. He called for economic development to translate into improvements in quality of life, education, science, infrastructure, and technology. Russia, he said, is pursuing such an agenda. Putin said stable, long-term capital flows from international companies and investors are needed to drive growth. BRICS aims to provide a platform based on 'consensus, parity, and mutual respect.' He noted that at a BRICS summit in Kazan last year, 35 countries took part — representing two-thirds of the world's population and half of the global economy. 'They all expressed a shared vision for the future world,' Putin said. 'Today, BRICS is leading the way in launching large-scale projects to improve quality of life.' He cited initiatives in nuclear energy, aviation, artificial intelligence, robotics, IT, and new materials as examples of BRICS' innovation focus. Trade among BRICS countries, he said, has already exceeded $1 trillion and continues to grow. 'We welcome all partners willing to contribute to shaping a new global model of growth,' Putin added. 'The broader the circle of participants, the more effective and equitable this model will become.' He also highlighted the recent launch of Open Dialogue — a new international forum in Moscow with participants from over 100 countries. 'We intend to make this a regular format and build a whole ecosystem around it to develop breakthrough ideas.' Turning to the Russian economy, Putin said the country has now become 'Europe's number one' in gross domestic product and ranks fourth globally. He noted that annual inflation stood at 9.6 percent as of 16 June — still high but better than anticipated. 'This has already allowed for a cautious easing of monetary policy,' he said, adding that GDP had grown 1.5 percent in the first four months of 2025, with April's growth accelerating to 1.9 percent. He called on the Russian government to digitize the monitoring of economic indicators and keep structural reforms under 'special control.' 'I have focused today on five main areas of structural change in the Russian economy. Government programmes must be continuously adjusted to reflect the global situation and emerging opportunities,' he said. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Russia Today
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
South Africa's vice president talks AI risks with Russian youth
Young people should be cautious about how they adopt artificial intelligence to ensure it does not diminish their creativity or cultural identity, South African Vice President Paul Mashatile told Russian students on Friday. Mashatile spoke at a youth workshop 'The SPIEF Academy' organized by Russia's Roscongress Foundation on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He described South Africa's investment in youth development programs as a strategy to spur innovation and generate future employment. 'The youth can come up with a lot of new ideas,' Mashatile said. 'Often you find the youth struggling with employment, but we are seeing the youth themselves can become employers,' provided they have access to seed funding. Mashatile cautioned that AI could have negative effects on a young person's development. 'Artificial intelligence can have a negative impact if it stifles creativity, because it's easy for people to get lazy. You know, these days artificial intelligence can write an essay for you. And that's what we must avoid, particularly for the youth,' he said. 'We must use artificial intelligence as something that is supportive to our own creativity rather than it taking over.' The vice president added that people using AI for creative purposes should remain rooted in their cultural identities and not be sidetracked by what models generate. Mashatile praised Russia's history of providing higher education opportunities for African students and said South Africa is also eager to learn from Russia's advances in application of AI technology. 'We are also here to learn from the youth of Russia about what you are doing,' he told the audience. The SPIEF Academy's main goal is to engage students and young professionals in the current agenda of the global economy, technological development, and social change. Its participants are students and young professionals aged 18 to 23 who are enrolled at leading Russian universities.
