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Lavrov’s Plea for Justice

Israel launched a ground offensive inside Gaza on October 27 after Hamas attacked Israel in a surprise attack on October 7 in which 1200 Israelis were killed and over 200 were taken hostage…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stressed the need to break the vicious cycle of violence that generations of Palestinians have suffered from and called for an end to the injustice against them, media reports said.

“It is both unacceptable to justify — let alone encourage — attacks and to respond to them via methods of collective punishment in gross violation of international humanitarian law,” Sergey Lavrov said.

He said that it is necessary to cut the vicious cycle of violence, to remove the injustice that several generations of Palestinians have been suffering from.

“This is the only way to achieve stabilisation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict area and in the entire Middle Eastern region in general,” Lavrov said.

Israel launched a ground offensive inside Gaza on October 27 after Hamas attacked Israel in a surprise attack on October 7 in which 1200 Israelis were killed and over 200 were taken hostage.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel, at least 21,110 Palestinians have been killed mostly being children and women while 53,688 Palestinians have been injured.

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New UNSC membership only for developing nations, says Lavrov

According to Lavrov, all the Western sanctions that have been imposed against Russia are likely to remain after the Ukraine conflict…reports Asian Lite News

Any new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members should come from developing countries, Russian media reported Monday, citing Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Primakov Readings International Forum in Moscow.

“It is important to redress the historical injustices that emerged following the end of the decolonization process and since the emergence of many dozens of young sovereign states,” Lavrov said, noting that the composition of the UNSC should reflect the current reality.

“It is clear that any new members of the Security Council must only come from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and they must have credibility in their regions and in global organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77,” he said.

Lavrov added that Russia doesn’t need to focus on restoring relations with Europe at this moment, and must concentrate on protecting itself “in all key sectors of the economy,” and security, considering Europe’s unpredictable policies and decisions.

According to Lavrov, all the Western sanctions that have been imposed against Russia are likely to remain after the Ukraine conflict.

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BRICS becoming attractive in multipolar world, says Lavrov

The BRICS is viewed as a reliable association, the Russian foreign minister noted, adding that BRICS members are seen as trustworthy partners…reports Asian Lite News

Around 20 countries are interested in establishing partnerships with the BRICS group, which is becoming increasingly popular in today’s multipolar world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

Lavrov made the remarks on the sidelines of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club that is currently taking place in the Russian city of Sochi.

“The world is becoming multipolar, countries want to find reliable partners, and the expansion of the BRICS can be viewed as direct proof of this,” Lavrov said.

“Six states have joined the five BRICS members … and almost 20 … would also like to establish special relations (with the association),” he noted.

The BRICS is viewed as a reliable association, the Russian foreign minister noted, adding that BRICS members are seen as trustworthy partners.

The theme of this year’s meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club is “Fair Multipolarity: How to Ensure Security and Development for Everyone.” The event will be held in Sochi from Oct. 2-5, and will be attended by 140 experts, politicians and diplomats from over 40 countries.

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‘Global South no longer willing to be lectured’

The Russian Foreign Minister added that the Global South is “not willing” to enforce Russia to comply with the “Zelenskyy formula” to end the conflict…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the New Delhi Declaration at the G20 Summit is about the awakening of the Global South which is “no longer willing” to be lectured about Russia complying with “Zelenskyy formula”.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 Summit here, Lavrov said that the declaration is about the consolidation of the Global South that is willing to work to achieve its goals.

“When they agreed to that, perhaps it was the voice of their conscience. Speaking frankly, we didn’t expect that. We were 100 per cent ready to defend our honest wording of the text, and it was truly honest and fair, he said.

He further said that the main content of the declaration is all about the awakening of the Global South and one should not isolate the paragraph on Russia-Ukraine war.

“Let me underline that we cannot isolate that paragraph (on Ukraine and Russia) from the rest of the work on the declaration. The main content of the declaration this year is all about the awakening of the Global South and the consolidation of the Global South that is truly willing for the G20 to work for its main goals,” Lavrov said.

The Russian Foreign Minister added that the Global South is “not willing” to enforce Russia to comply with the “Zelenskyy formula” to end the conflict.

“The Global South is no longer willing to be lectured. They don’t want to hear anything about Russia enforcing Russia to comply with the Zelenskyy formula. I don’t want to talk about it, this formula is unrealistic. This approach is simple, it is disrespectful for the developing nations…sane people cannot say such things. I think this is nothing but a new expression of neo-colonialism,” he further added.

Russian Foreign Minister described the New Delhi G20 Summit as “a milestone” and said the active role of the Indian presidency “has genuinely consolidated” the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history.

“It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone… I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners – Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests,” he said.

“I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazil’s presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa’s presidency,” he added.

Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of India’s G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit.

Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation. (ANI)

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Russia says it’s not against negotiations

On possibility of ceasefire with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister stressed on the need to consider “realities on ground”…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday said that his country is not against negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict but these should take into account “the realities on the ground” and also the reasons accumulating due to “NATO’s aggressive policy”.  

Replying to a query from ANI at a press conference,  Lavrov said about 18 months ago they agreed to sign a treaty about settling the conflict and documents were also initialled and accused the West of creating impediments.  

“…Everyone wants peace…About 18 months ago we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We even initialled these documents. After that, the Anglo-Saxons ordered (Ukraine President) Zelenskyy not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some confessions from us…,” Lavrov said.

“President Putin has recently said that we do not mind negotiations however any such negotiations need to consider the realities on the ground and take into account the reasons that have been accumulating for decades upon decades due to NATO’s aggressive policy…Right now the Ukrainian officials are threatening to physically destroy Russians…,” he added.

He was asked if there can be the beginning of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine started in February last year.    

Lavrov, who addressed a press conference after the conclusion of G20 Summit, described it as a milestone.

He said a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest.

“It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone… I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners- Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests,” he said. 

“I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazil’s presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa’s presidency,” he added.

Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of India’s G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit.   

“While closing today’s session, PM Modi said that he would convene another G20 Summit via video conferencing in late November. It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today,” he said.

The Russian leader accused the Western countries of not fulfilling their promise about making available funds to deal with climate change.      

“The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also mentions the tasks that need to be done in accordance with the long-standing promises in order to ensure a balance of interest in the global economy,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit here and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.”

The New Delhi G20 declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of summit.

The declaration said that in line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state and that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

 “Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly (A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6) and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety,” it said.

“Reaffirming that the G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and recognizing that while the G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues, we acknowledge that these issues can have significant consequences for the global economy,” it added.

The G20 members appreciated the efforts of Türkiye and UN-brokered Istanbul Agreements consisting  of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the Secretariat of the United Nations on Promoting Russian Food Products and Fertilizers to the World Markets and the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports (Black Sea Initiative), and called for their full, timely and effective implementation to ensure the immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers/inputs from the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

“This is necessary to meet the demand in developing and least developed countries, particularly those in Africa.

The leaders highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth, which has complicated the policy environment for countries, especially developing and least developed countries which are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruption which has derailed progress towards the SDGs.

“There were different views and assessments of the situation, the declaration said.

“We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The peaceful resolution of conflicts and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical.

“We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’” it said.

“Today’s era must not be of war,” the declaration added.  (ANI)

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EAM, Lavrov discuss regional agendas

EAM Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand since July 12 and his overseas engagements in these two countries will culminate on July 18…reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart on Thursday and discussed issues regarding the regional and international agendas, including interaction within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) and BRICS.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) events in Jakarta, where they discussed a number of topical issues of bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas. “On July 13, on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial events in Jakarta, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with External Affairs Minister of India Dr S. Jaishankar. During the conversation, a number of topical issues of bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas was touched upon. They exchanged views on key problems on the regional and international agendas, including interaction within the SCO and BRICS,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Taking to Twitter, the EAM posted, “Met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia in Jakarta today. Discussed bilateral economic issues, as also matters pertaining to the Ukraine conflict.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry also tweeted about the meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov on Thursday.

“Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the #ASEAN events,” the Russian Foreign Ministry tweeted.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Indonesia, suggesting India-ASEAN dialogues in finance, cyber and maritime domains.

EAM Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand since July 12 and his overseas engagements in these two countries will culminate on July 18.

In the first leg of his visit, the EAM will reach Indonesia to attend Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN on July 13-14 and then jet off to Thailand for the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), a release from the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar is in Jakarta for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14. (ANI)

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Jaishankar, Lavrov hold talks at BRICS meet

Discussed topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems…reports Asian Lite News

During the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in South Africa’s Cape Town on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and discussed the topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems.

The two ministers also praised the dynamism of collaboration in the most significant sectors of special and privileged strategic partnerships between India and Russia. “On June 1, during his visit to South Africa to take part in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Indian counterpart Dr S.Jaishankar. Topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems, were discussed,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, emphasis was laid on developing discussion in the SCO, BRICS, and G20.

“The Ministers commended the dynamics of cooperation in the most important areas of the special and privileged strategic partnership between two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding the dialogue in the SCO, BRICS and the G20,” according to the statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“Mutual disposition was reaffirmed to continue the course of building a fair multipolar system of interstate relations, including the prevention and impede of the use of the neo-colonial practices,” the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

During his opening remarks at the BRICS FMs meeting in Cape Town today, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said that the nations of the bloc should approach key contemporary issues seriously, constructively and collectively.

“The BRICS meeting is an important event in our diplomatic calendar and more so at a time when the international situation is challenging. Colleagues, the global environment today demands that we, the BRICS nations, approach key contemporary issues seriously, constructively and collectively,” the EAM said in his opening remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

The EAM further said: “Our gathering must send out a strong message that the world is multipolar, that it is rebalancing, and that old ways cannot address new situations. We are a symbol of change and must act accordingly.”

“This responsibility is even greater as we contemplate the devastating after-effects of the COVID Pandemic, the stresses arising from conflict and the economic distress of the Global South,” he said.

Earlier today, a family Photo ceremony ahead of the BRICS Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs also took place. The picture was shared on Twitter by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

The foreign ministers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) are presently in Cape Town to attend the meeting from 1-2 June.

South Africa, the bloc’s current chair, is hosting the BRICS foreign ministers conference in the South African capital.

Jaishankar, South African counterpart

Jaishankar met his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor and reviewed the progress of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“A warm meeting with FM Naledi Pandor of South Africa. Thank her for hosting us in the Indo-Atlantic city of Cape Town. Reviewed the progress of our strategic partnership and agreed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic ties in a fitting manner,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted. “Exchanged views on BRICS, IBSA, G20 and UN where we have a strong tradition of cooperating closely,” he added.

The foreign ministers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) are presently in Cape Town to attend the meeting from 1-2 June.

South Africa, the bloc’s current chair, is hosting the BRICS foreign ministers conference in the South African capital.

Jaishankar also met the Foreign Affairs minister of Saudi Arabia in Cape Town and had a productive exchange of views on the global situation.

“So nice to see FM HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia. A productive exchange of views on the global situation. Look forward to advancing bilateral cooperation through the Strategic Partnership Council,” the EAM wrote on Twitter.

The two ministers met and exchanged views on the topics on the agenda of the BRICS Friends Ministerial Meeting.

“Both Ministers also exchanged views on the topics on the agenda of the BRICS Friends Ministerial Meeting. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, Sultan Al-Angari, and the Director General of His Highness’s Office, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Dawood,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia tweeted.

During his visit to South Africa, Jaishankar will call on the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other BRICS Foreign Ministers, as well as, ‘Friends of BRICS’ Ministers. He will also have an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Capetown, according to an official statement. (ANI)

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Lavrov holds talks with Chinese counterpart

As per TASS, during his visit, Lavrov will also participate in a meeting of top CIS diplomats and a ministerial meeting in a Russia-Central Asia format…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who on Wednesday arrived in Samarkand, took to Twitter to state that Lavrov and Foreign Minister of China Qin Gang held talks on April 13 in Samarkand. Lavrov, Qin Gang along with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar participated in a meeting in Samarkand within the framework of a ministerial conference of Afghanistan’s neighbouring nations, TASS reported.

Top diplomats of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also attended the meeting.

Ahead of the meeting, TASS reported that the leaders will discuss further steps on facilitating Afghanistan’s political settlement. They will also talk about the stabilization of the humanitarian and socio-economic situation in Afghanistan and development of regional economic integration and the implementation of transport and energy projects with Kabul’s participation.

As per TASS, during his visit, Lavrov will also participate in a meeting of top CIS diplomats and a ministerial meeting in a Russia-Central Asia format.

Lavrov had previously met Qin Gang met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20FMM) in New Delhi this March. During the meeting, Qin Gang said that the ties between China and Russia continue to develop “steadily and healthily.” He also recalled former Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Russia in February 2023.

“Thanks to the strategic guiding role of our leaders, our relations continue to develop steadily and healthily, setting a positive example of bilateral relations between major powers,” TASS quoted Qin Gang as saying.

“Recently Comrade Wang Yi successfully visited Russia, where he exchanged views with you personally and the rest of his Russian colleagues, and [they] reached broad agreements. We took the opportunity to talk with you on all issues of mutual interest,” he added. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Lavrov ready to meet Blinken under certain conditions

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Lavrov ready to meet Blinken under certain conditions

The development comes two days after Blinken spoke on the phone with Lavrov and conveyed the US’ grave concern over Russia’s “unacceptable detention” of American journalist…reports Asian Lite News

On the sidelines of his upcoming visit to New York on April 24-25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is ready to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken if there is willingness from Washington, says Moscow’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday on Russia’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of April, Nebenzya said: “I think that depends on two factors. First, where Secretary Blinken will be at that time, and on his ability and willingness to meet with our Foreign Minister,” TASS News Agency reported.

The Russian side has never “run away from whatever meetings with those people who want these meetings”, the envoy claimed.

“If such a meeting is requested, I presume that Minister Lavrov will be ready to meet Secretary Blinken,” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet Lavrov “when he is in town”, Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief’s spokesman, told reporters on Monday.

“I have no doubt that when Lavrov is here, he and the Secretary-General will have a sit-down,” Xinhua news agency quoted Dujarric as saying.

“The sit-down would be about going through the long list of issues and agenda items between the Russian Federation and the UN Secretariat,” he added.

The development comes two days after Blinken spoke on the phone with Lavrov and conveyed the US’ grave concern over Russia’s “unacceptable detention” of American journalist Evan Gershkovich over espionage charges.

A State Department statement said that during the call on Sunday, Blinken called for The Wall Street Journal reporter’s “immediate release and also urged “the Kremlin to immediately release wrongfully detained US citizen Paul Whelan”.

The two top officials met last month for the first time since Russia waged its ongoing war against Ukraine in February last year.

The brief meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Before this, Blinken and Lavrov met in Geneva in January 2022.

ALSO READ: Lavrov: Fate of detained US reporter depends on court

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EAM, Lavrov to discuss developments in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday arrived in India for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20 FMM). Lavrov will also attend Raisina Dialogue 2023…reports Asian Lite News

Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that the country’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will touch on a number of regional topics, including “developments in Ukraine” during Lavrov’s visit to India for the G20.  

“As part of the visit’s bilateral events, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will discuss ways to further advance cooperation in key areas, as well as coordinate the schedule of upcoming contacts. The main thematic blocks include trade, investment, transport and logistics cooperation, the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, and promising projects in the energy sector.

“The ministers will exchange views on topical international matters, including interaction under India’s SCO chairmanship and G20 presidency, as well as coordination of approaches in the UN, BRICS and RIC. They will also touch on a number of regional topics, including the creation of security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the current state of Afghanistan, and developments in Ukraine,” it added.

Russia supports India’s G20 presidency in its commitment to promote a unifying agenda that will restore confidence in multilateral diplomacy and prevent the fragmentation of the global economy, as per the statement.

“We share the relevance of India’s stated priorities: ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth; accelerating progress towards the achievement of sustainable development goals; reforming multilateral institutions; digital modernisation; and increasing women’s economic engagement,” the statement read.

Russia is active on all G20 ministerial tracks, supports India’s effort to improve working mechanisms and create specialised processes to respond to natural disasters and launch start-ups. Russia is also ready to make a significant contribution to making progress in all these areas. “We aim to work together with our Indian colleagues to achieve the desired result, showing the greatest possible flexibility,” it said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday arrived in India for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20 FMM). Lavrov will also attend Raisina Dialogue 2023.

“Welcome to India! FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia @mfa_russia and @UNDESA Under Secretary General Li Junhua arrive in New Delhi for #G20FMM. FM Lavrov will also attend #Raisina2023,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Tuesday.

The upcoming event’s theme is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. During the event, Lavrov will meet his Indian Counterpart S Jaishankar.

Russia considers the G20 a prestigious forum for the world’s leading economies, a significant discussion platform on global governance, where balanced consensus decisions should be made in the interests of all humankind. Its participants account for about 80 per cent of global GDP, international trade, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as two-thirds of the world’s population, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The statement said that the importance and role of the foreign ministers’ meetings in G20 activities is steadily growing. This format was launched in 2012. The key goal is to exchange views on current international issues and challenges.

The meeting this year will be concentrated on multilateralism, energy and food security, and international development. The agenda also includes counterterrorism, labour resources, humanitarian assistance and reduction of the impacts of natural disasters.

“During the regular foreign ministers’ meeting, we intend to firmly and openly talk about the reasons and instigators of the current serious problems in world politics and the global economy. We will focus on the attempts by the West to take revenge for the inevitable disappearance of the levers of dominance from its hands. We will also concentrate on its striving to continue receiving unilateral rent, in part, through unequal trade and violent interference in the affairs of sovereign states,” the ministry said.

We are set to clearly state Russia’s assessments of the current security, energy and food situation. We will present an unbiased factual picture of the act of terrorism, the bombing of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the EU and NATO zone of responsibility, and the illegal seizing of Russian humanitarian fertiliser shipments designated for African and other needy countries, according to the official statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministery said it welcomes the initiative of the Indian Presidency on organising a special G20 pavilion at the International Book Fair (February 25-March 5 of this year) in New Delhi and that Russia plans to hold an exhibition at the Fair on the commonality of world outlooks and the mutual influence of Leo Tolstoy (195th birth anniversary) and Mahatma Gandhi (75th anniversary of this tragic death). (ANI)

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