The first large-scale international economic conference in Russia after the military invasion of Ukraine began on the 15th.
This is an annual meeting that President Putin attaches great importance to, but the participants this time are all countries with strong ties to Russia, such as the Middle East and Africa, and the disconnection with Europe and the United States, which are tightening sanctions, is becoming clearer.
The "International Economic Forum", which started on the 15th in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, is expected to be attended by corporate representatives and government officials from 115 countries and regions, according to the announcement of the host organization.
In the past, the leaders of the seven major G7 countries, including former Prime Minister Abe and President Emmanuel Macron of France, attended this conference, which President Putin also attaches great importance to. Is almost nonexistent.
Only countries with strong ties to Russia, such as the Middle East, Africa and South America, and former Soviet countries, will participate, and individual sessions to discuss economic cooperation with Russia will be limited to China, Turkey, Iran, etc., and sanctions will be imposed. The strengthening disconnection with Europe and the United States has become even clearer.
According to the Presidential Administration of Russia, the participation of Russian companies is conspicuous, with only about 260 companies participating from overseas this time, while more than 1,200 companies from Japan.
A spokesman for the Russian Presidential Administration said in a speech by President Putin on the 17th that he would mention soaring global resource prices and food security. It has not broken its bullish stance, such as saying, "It has become."
Russia seems to want to build a counter-axis with Europe and the United States while re-justifying the invasion of Ukraine through a series of meetings.
What is "St. Petersburg International Economic Forum"?
The "St. Petersburg International Economic Forum" is Russia's largest international economic conference, which has been held since 1997 in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, where Putin was born.
For the purpose of inviting overseas business owners and government representatives to promote investment in Russia and joint ventures with Russian companies, ▽ Former Prime Minister Abe and President Macron of France ▽ 2019 In the year, President Xi Jinping of China attended.
Although it was canceled due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, according to the host organization, more than 13,000 people from more than 140 countries and regions participated last year.
However, in response to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, Europe, the United States and Japan have tightened sanctions on Russia, and foreign-affiliated companies have been withdrawing from Russia one after another. Many have forgotten to participate.
According to the host organization, we have sent invitations to representatives of businesses and governments in more than 190 countries and regions to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this event, but we will be attending 115 as of the 1st of this month. It means staying on behalf of companies and government officials from countries and regions.
The forum will be held for four days until the 18th of this month, with sessions discussing economic cooperation with China, Turkey, Iran, etc., as well as energy and food security, which are the main themes of Russia's position. It seems to be appealing.