Latest news with #SPIEF2025
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:
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Anton Kobyakov: The quiet power behind Putin's Russia
Kobyakov, Putin's trusted advisor, shapes Russia's future from behind the scenes with sharp intellect and calm conviction. Anton Kobyakov, Russian presidential adviser, executive secretary of the Organising Committee for Russia's SCO Presidency in 2014-2015 and Russia's BRICS Presidency in 2015-2016 at the briefing for organisational aspects of hosting the SCO and BRICSD summits on July 07, 2015 in Ufa, Russia. (Photo by Host Photo Agency/Ria Novosti via Getty Images) Anton Kobyakov – remember the name. He is a soft-spoken, erudite and affable Russian politician who serves as a special advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also serves on the highest echelons of Roscongress, a state-owned enterprise responsible for various strategic initiatives, including international events assembly and management, as well as stakeholder relations and networks development. The unassuming Kobyakov, pictured, holds a degree in biology and a PhD in economics. He is a graduate of the Presidential Russian Civil Service Academy and his official title is 'Professor', although he never takes umbrage with being referred to simply as 'Mr Kobyakov'. He has had an illustrious career as a civil servant. From 1992-2003, he served as deputy governor of Kemerovo region before pro – ceeding to hold various posts in the Presidential Office from 2005 to date. But it is as a political tactician that Kobyakov – born on 23 June, 1968 – is better-known across the Russian circles through the length and breadth of the largest country in the world. Russia's total area stands at 17 098 242km² and also has 11 different time zones. ALSO READ: Trump says will speak to Putin to end Ukraine 'bloodbath' The 57-year-old academic high achiever works in the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation with a calm demeanour as a fountain of wisdom. His civil service rank is '1st class state advisor', loosely translated – an equivalence of the military rank of the army general or fleet admiral. Kobyakov's philosophy is interesting: 'Anything (in life) is either a poison or medicine, depending on the dose,' he told a packed press conference in St Petersburg, Russia's cultural mecca. At the recently completed St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia's flagship annual event, Kobyakov was tasked with single-handedly briefing up to 100 local and international journalists about the outcome of SPIEF 2025. The event was attended by 24 000 participants from 144 countries, Kobyakov announced. A total of 1 060 trade agreements were entered into over the five days, from 18-22 June. The agreements were worth 6.3 trillion rubles (about R1.4 trillion), said Kobyakov. 'We are seeing rapid fragmentation of the global economy,' he said. ALSO READ: Russia-Ukraine talks resume in Istanbul, but expectations remain low Kobyakov is a trusted ally of Putin, serving him as a special advisor since 2014. His reflections appear to represent Putin's and Putin's expressed views also appear to represent Kobyakov's. The two seem to be intricately intertwined, at least ideologically. As brothers-in-arms, they are no doubt joined at the hip. Reflecting on the current state of unpredictable geopolitics, Kobyakov said: 'We are witnessing tectonic shifts in the world. We see no international law.' Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022, the European Union, along with most of the West, imposed an unprecedented barrage of sanctions on Russia. Kobyakov said Ukraine was itself a victim of the West's imperial agenda. 'Kyiv is on a tight leash,' he said, before singling out Britain. ALSO READ: UK urges Putin to 'get serious about peace' 'The UK has gone too far in managing this conflict.' The focus of the US and EU pushing to boost their military budgets is another example of the West's disinterest in peaceful coexistence and desire for continuous conflict that can never defeat Russia anyway. 'Russia will never allow any outsider to set their dirty boots on Russian soil,' Kobyakov warned. Given that Putin is 72 and the trusted veteran foreign affairs minister, Sergey Lavrov 75, Kobyakov appears to represent a Russian future that is intrinsically in sync with the present. This is despite his penchant to perform his duties under the radar.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
RAKEZ showcases industrial capabilities during strategic business trip to Russia
Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) successfully concluded its business mission to Russia as part of the official UAE delegation led by the Ministry of Economy. The trip reinforced strategic ties with Russian industrial stakeholders and showcased Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as a regional hub for manufacturing and logistics. A major highlight of the trip was the participation of RAKEZ Chief Commercial Officer Anas Hijjawi in the prestigious Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025. He served as a panellist in the session titled 'Effective Non-Financial Support Measures for Industry', where he shared Ras Al Khaimah's journey to becoming an industrial powerhouse and the role RAKEZ plays in empowering manufacturers and exporters with a future-ready ecosystem. Speaking at the panel, Hijjawi shed light on RAKEZ's tailored industrial zones, streamlined business set-up processes, integrated support services, and commitment to sustainability—all of which contribute to Ras Al Khaimah's appeal to global investors. He also emphasised RAKEZ's alignment with national strategies such as Operation 300bn, underscoring the UAE's push towards industrial diversification and economic resilience. Beyond the forum, RAKEZ held a series of B2B meetings with companies from various sectors including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, technology, F&B, machinery and equipment, and chemicals. The team also engaged with delegations from industrial hubs in Russia – the Ulyanovsk region and the Republic of Udmurtia. Additionally, the RAKEZ team met with Aleksandr Kalinin, President of OPORA, a national organisation dedicated to supporting and developing small and medium-sized enterprises across Russia, to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in empowering Russian entrepreneurs. This was followed by their participation in the Russian SME dinner hosted by the organisation, bringing together key stakeholders from the country's SME ecosystem. Commenting on the trip, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, 'Russia continues to be an important partner in our global network, and this visit was a strong step forward in deepening our industrial ties. The UAE today stands as Russia's primary foreign economic partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion in 2024 reflecting the growing ties and business potential between the two nations. Against this backdrop, RAKEZ is playing a key role in strengthening these relations, particularly for industrial and logistical players. Through our tailor-made ecosystem, we are ready to support Russian companies that are looking to scale and expand into the UAE and beyond from Ras Al Khaimah.' Around 1,200 Russian enterprises—including prominent names such as law firm EPAM; metal repairer and fabricator and welding equipment, transformers, and control panel supplier WGS Middle East; autonomous vehicle converter BaseTrack; and wire manufacturer Aeris Stream Copper—all operate successfully under the RAKEZ business community and have flourished in the region with the economic zone's support. This strategic roadshow reflects RAKEZ's ongoing efforts to attract global industrial players and foster cross-border collaboration while offering international investors access to a cost-effective, well-connected, and growth-focused business environment in Ras Al Khaimah. For more information, please contact: Cleo Eleazar, Public Relations & Events Manager, RAKEZ Email: About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): RAKEZ is a powerhouse business and industrial hub established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. It currently hosts over 30,000 companies coming from over 100+ countries and operating in more than 50 industries. RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and manufacturers a wide-range of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licences, customisable facilities, and first-class services provided in a one-stop shop. Furthermore, RAKEZ has specialised zones that are tailored to specific needs of investors: Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones for commercial and service companies; Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones for manufacturers and industrialists; and an Academic Zone for educational providers. A leading economic zone, RAKEZ aims to continue attracting diversified investment opportunities that will contribute to the economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah.
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
New Pact Targets Russian Tourists
TDT| Manama Bahrain has taken a fresh step in cementing its international tourism reach, signing a strategic memorandum of understanding with Russia's Aeroklub Group during the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where the Kingdom was honoured as Guest of Honour. The agreement, signed by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) CEO Sarah Ahmed Buhijji and Aeroklub Chairman Denis Matyukhin, is expected to boost tourism cooperation, air travel connectivity, and joint promotion campaigns between the two nations, laying the groundwork for Bahrain to attract more visitors from the growing Russian travel market. SPIEF stage presence The deal was formalised on the sidelines of SPIEF 2025, held from June 18 to 21. With Bahrain in the diplomatic spotlight as Guest of Honour, the MoU was one of several key agreements underscoring the Kingdom's global tourism ambitions and deepening bilateral relations with Russia. According to BTEA, the agreement covers areas such as tourism promotion, exchange of industry expertise, development of business tourism incentives, technology collaboration, and joint activations across culture, exhibitions, and hospitality. Tied to strategy Buhijji said the partnership directly supports Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022–2026, which aims to enhance international collaboration and raise tourism's contribution to GDP. 'This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding business ties with Russia while offering visitors a higher quality, more connected tourism experience,' she noted. The MoU is also expected to open new channels for collaboration on sustainability and investment in travel technology, aligning with both nations' goals to modernise their tourism infrastructure. Russia focus expands Bahrain has already begun building momentum with Russian travellers, with Gulf Air operating seasonal charter services and growing demand for halal-certified offerings in Russian cities like Sochi, Kazan, and Moscow. Tourism officials view the Aeroklub partnership as a platform to tailor Bahrain's appeal to this market and broaden its international reach. As the global tourism landscape continues to shift, Bahrain is positioning itself not just as a destination, but as a partner in designing the next chapter of regional tourism diplomacy.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Concludes Successful Participation at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025
Ministerial Highlights: Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, joined a session on the global energy market, where he shared Bahrain's efforts toward a balanced and sustainable energy mix. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasized Bahrain's support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during a panel on national development strategies and took part in the Russia–Bahrain Business Dialogue. Sara Buhiji, CEO of BTEA, participated in a panel discussing tourism workforce development, underlining Bahrain's investment in human capital and international cooperation in the hospitality sector. Additionally, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, joined a thought-provoking panel on cultural heritage and identity titled 'Architecture of Memory.' Bahrain's participation in SPIEF 2025 not only strengthened its bilateral ties with Russia but also laid the groundwork for future economic growth, innovation, and international partnerships. The forum highlighted Bahrain's ambition to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development, cultural diplomacy, and global investment.
