seniora.org, vom19. Oktober 2024, 19.10-2024 Von René Zittlau
Gestern, am 18. Oktober 2024 fanden in Moskau zwei öffentliche Termine des russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin zum Thema BRICS statt. Zuerst hielt er eine Rede zur Eröffnung der Plenarsitzung des Wirtschaftsforums BRICS in Moskau und stand dann in Ogariowo führenden Medienvertreter der BRICS-Staaten Rede und Antwort.
Pressegespräch mit den führenden Vertretern der BRICS-Medien. Quelle: Foto Kreml
BRICS als neues ökonomisches Schwergewicht
Naturgemäß befasste sich Wladimir Putin bei seiner Rede vor den Wirtschaftsvertretern mit ökonomischen Aspekten. Er verglich anhand von statistischen Daten die BRICS-Gruppe mit den G7-Staaten.
So hob er hervor: Das gemeinsame BIP der BRICS-Staaten beträgt mehr als 60 Billionen Dollar und übersteigt das BIP der G7-Länder. Der Abstand wächst weiter, da das Gesamtwachstum der BRICS für dieses Jahr auf vier Prozent geschätzt wird, was deutlich über dem Wachstum der G7 liegt.
BRICS repräsentiert 45 Prozent der Erdbevölkerung, die G7 hingegen knapp 10 Prozent. 33 Prozent der Erdoberfläche gehören zu BRICS, zur G7 dagegen 16 Prozent. BRICS erwirtschaftet 36 Prozent des BIP der Welt, die G7 inzwischen nur noch 29 Prozent. Bemerkenswert auch die folgende Zahl: BRICS steht für 39 Prozent der Industrieproduktion der Welt, im Vergleich dazu die G7 nur noch für 31 Prozent.
Der russische Präsident hob dabei hervor, dass sich das Wachstum der BRICS-Staaten vor allem speist aus führenden Positionen in vielen Einzelposten, die für die Gesamtentwicklung entscheidend sind. Konkret nannte Wladimir Putin folgende Zahlen:
BRICS erzeugt 44 Prozent der Weltweizenproduktion, die G7 lediglich 19 Prozent. Bei Reis lauten die Zahlen: BRICS 54 Prozent, 2,4 Prozent G7.
Bei der Erzeugung wichtiger Rohstoffe sehen die Zahlen so aus: BRICS produziert 74 Prozent des Aluminiums, die G7 fünf Prozent. Bei Palladium lauten die Werte: 77 zu 7 zugunsten von BRICS. Und noch eine wichtige Zahl: BRICS fördert 28 Prozent des Golds, die G7 nur 12 Prozent.
Wir werden morgen in einem separaten Beitrag alle Zahlen zu BRICS und dessen Potential mit weiteren Mitgliedern publizieren.
Worum geht es bei BRICS?
Beim nachfolgenden Treffen mit den Medienvertretern der BRICS ging der russische Präsident auf die politische Situation um BRICS ein.
Die Eingangsfrage nach Anzeichen für Veränderungen für und durch BRICS in der Welt, beantwortete Wladimir Putin so: Anzeichen für Veränderungen sind die Formierung neuer Zentren der Entwicklung, vor allem im Globalen Süden, in Südostasien und Afrika. Das sich daraus ergebende positive Wachstum zeigt sich in China, Indien, Russland, Saudi-Arabien, vor allem jedoch in Südostasien und Afrika. Dort auch bedingt durch den hohen Nachholebedarf sowie das hohe Bevölkerungswachstum. Diese Faktoren werden in der Folge zu wachsendem politischen Einfluss führen. Er verwies dabei auf die ökonomischen Fakten, die er vor dem Wirtschaftsforum BRICS dargelegt hatte.
Der russische Präsident legte Wert auf die Tatsache, dass BRICS sich nie gegen irgendjemanden stellte. Er erinnerte an die Worte des indischen Ministerpräsidenten Modi, dass BRICS nie antiwestlich war und ist, BRICS jedoch auch nicht westlich ist. Diese Vereinigung von Staaten arbeitet auf der Basis von gemeinsamen Ansichten und Werten und in diesem Sinne wird sie auch in Kasan arbeiten.
BRICS – ein Zusammenschluss auf Augenhöhe
Eine Bemerkung Wladimir Putins macht deutlich, wie ernst innerhalb der BRICS die Gleichberechtigung der Partner genommen wird.
„BRICS besteht heute aus zehn Ländern. Jedes dieser Länder ist für die Weltgemeinschaft und natürlich auch für eine Vereinigung wie die BRICS von Interesse und Wert. Jedes dieser Länder hat seine eigene Kultur, seine eigene Geschichte, seine eigenen Vorteile in der globalen Arbeitsteilung, und die Interaktion mit diesen Ländern ist für alle BRICS-Mitglieder von Interesse.“
Präsident Putin, 18. Oktober 2024
Und weiter an gleicher Stelle:
„Wenn neue Akteure auftauchen, wenn neue Teilnehmer auftauchen und sie Vollmitglieder einer internationalen Organisation sind, bringen sie natürlich etwas Eigenes mit. Einerseits ist es sehr wichtig, dass sie die Grundsätze berücksichtigen, nach denen BRICS gegründet wurde, und zwar von drei Ländern. Der erste Schritt wurde von Russland, Indien und China unternommen, wir haben es gemeinsam getan, wir haben das RIC [Russland – Indien – China] in St. Petersburg gegründet. Dann begann sich das Ganze auszuweiten. Aber auf der anderen Seite müssen alle Mitglieder der Organisation die Interessen der neuen Mitgliedsstaaten respektieren.“
Präsident Putin, 18. Oktober 2024
Der Westen erzwang die finanzielle Neuordnung der Welt
Viele erwarten auf dem BRICS-Gipfel entscheidende Beschlüsse zu der sich entwickelnden neuen Finanzordnung der Welt. Wladimir Putin ging darauf ein, worin die Ursachen dieser Entwicklung lagen:
„Was die Finanzen betrifft. Ja, nicht wir haben den Dollar als Universalwährung aufgegeben, sondern man hat uns seine Verwendung verweigert. Jetzt werden 95 Prozent des gesamten russischen Außenhandels mit unseren Partnern in nationalen Währungen abgewickelt. Verstehen Sie, sie haben es mit ihren eigenen Händen getan. Sie dachten, es [Russland] würde zusammenbrechen. Nein, nichts ist zusammengebrochen.
Unser Handel mit China wird zu 95 Prozent in Rubel und Yuan abgewickelt. Übrigens verwenden wir den Yuan auch im Zahlungsverkehr mit Drittländern, was zur Stärkung des Yuan als internationale Währungseinheit beiträgt. Es ist nicht so, dass China irgendjemandem schaden will, nein, es tut niemandem etwas Böses an, es ist einfach so, wie die Dinge sind, wie die Umstände sind.“
Präsident Putin, 18. Oktober 2024
Amerikanische Waffen in Asien und die Frage ukrainischer Atomwaffen
Bezug nehmend auf die schwierige internationale Situation betonte Wladimir Putin, die Stationierung amerikanischer Waffen in Asien führt zu einer Anheizung der Spannungen in der Welt und stellt eine Bedrohung der Russischen Föderation und Chinas dar. Wörtlich sagte er: „Sie [die USA] schaffen zusätzliche Spannungsherde, sie verlegen sehr ernstzunehmende Waffen, die die Länder der Region bedrohen, einschließlich China, und Russland».
Zur Situation um die Ukraine wiederholte der Präsident den bereits in der Vergangenheit zu verschiedenen Gelegenheiten vorgetragenen Standpunkt Russlands:
„Die politische Führung der heutigen Ukraine, das habe ich schon oft gesagt, noch bevor die Krise in die heiße Phase ging, hat schon damals, relativ milde formuliert, aber dennoch gesagt, dass die Ukraine Atomwaffen haben soll. Eine solche Drohung wird eine angemessene Reaktion der Russischen Föderation hervorrufen. Ich kann sagen: Russland wird dies unter keinen Umständen zulassen.»
Präsident Putin, 18. Oktober 2024
Fazit
Es ist nicht möglich, alle angeschnittenen Fragen beider Termine in einem kurzen Artikel anzureißen. Doch die Art, wie der russische Präsident auf die hier angesprochenen Themen eingeht, zeigt auf, wie sich BRICS in der Suche nach Lösungen von anderen internationalen Zusammenschlüssen unterscheidet.
Die gegenseitige Wertschätzung der Partner, der Respekt voreinander und der Wille, tatsächlich gemeinsame Lösungen zu kreieren, erschweren manche Entscheidungsfindungen und erfordern Geduld. Doch man darf vermuten, dass die dann gemeinsam erstrittenen Lösungen deutlich nachhaltiger wirken werden.
Wir sind gespannt darauf, was Kasan der Welt bringt und verweisen unsere Leser auf unsere Beiträge zu BRICS in den letzten Tagen: «BRICS soll in einem geopolitisch explosiven Umfeld scheitern – so der Plan der USA» und «Kasan – die Stadt des BRICS-Gipfels«.
In den nächsten zwei Tagen werden Artikel zu den Zahlen von BRICS und zu einem neuen Zahlungssystem folgen, bevor wir am Montag nach Kasan abreisen.
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Meeting with journalists from BRICS countriesVladimir Putin answered questions from the heads of leading BRICS media agencies. The meeting was held ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan.
October 18, 2024
17:50
Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region
Meeting with journalists from BRICS countries
The meeting was attended by the heads of media agencies from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. It was moderated by Head of the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group Dmitry Kiselev.
* * *
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, gentlemen, friends,
I am very glad to see you. Our group is expanding; we have made more friends within BRICS, and there is significant interest in its activities. Both my colleagues and I have said this many times. Of course, this interest is also growing thanks to your work, support and coverage of what we do together with our colleagues and friends, the heads of BRICS countries.
The summit will begin soon. Ahead of it, we will host the President of the United Arab Emirates for a visit the day after tomorrow. We have an informal dinner scheduled for Sunday here, followed by the visit on Monday. On Tuesday, we will commence our work in Kazan.
We have a very busy agenda planned. A great deal has happened over the year of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship, which I believe will be of interest to you. I will be happy to discuss this briefly. Please forgive me, but I will not go into detail, as it is impossible to retain all the information in mind at all times due to the diverse and comprehensive nature of our cooperation. We collaborate in all areas, and I think you will be interested in talking with specialists on each of them.
I hope that you, your colleagues or your teams will have the opportunity to speak with professionals, including during the summit in Kazan.
Perhaps that is all I wanted to say at the beginning. I will now give the floor to you, so as not to take up more of your time. I will do my best to answer your questions as fully as I can on every aspect of our conversation today.
Go ahead, please.
Dmitry Kiselev: Mr President, we are very grateful to you for finding the time in your insanely intense schedule to meet with us.
This intensity is evidenced by the fact that in four days in Kazan, you will not only take part in the summit and have a big news conference, but also hold over two dozen bilateral meetings. You are absolutely right that it is difficult to wrap one’s mind around it.
Vladimir Putin: Seventeen.
Dmitry Kiselev: Seventeen, right – about two dozen bilateral meetings.
The meeting we are holding now is crucial not just to us personally, but to the entire planet, because the media represented here have a total audience of several billion people. We will get across your answers to our questions to our viewers, listeners, and readers.
I would like to ask the first question. Perhaps it will be somewhat general. The world is changing so rapidly that sometimes we cannot keep track of how different is has become. What are the signs of these changes and what opportunities do they open for BRICS?
Vladimir Putin: The most important sign is the emergence of new development centres. This is the most important sign. According to experts, whom I trust and whose opinions I heed, this development will be focused primarily in BRICS countries. This is the Global South, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Powerhouses like China and India will record positive growth. Positive growth will also be in Russia and Saudi Arabia. But countries of Southeast Asia and Africa will demonstrate outstripping growth rates, and for several reasons.
First, the development level in those countries, where positive but limited dynamics is expected, indicates that those countries have already reached a certain level of development. Second, those countries that I have mentioned, that will have outstripping growth rate, still have an insufficient level of urbanisation and a high rate of population growth. Without doubt, these two factors will influence the formation of new centres of economic growth to be followed by enhancing political influence.
Regarding BRICS countries like China, India, Brazil and South Africa, it is evident that their expanding economic potential will lead to their bigger global influence. This is an undeniable fact and it simply reflects objective reality.
As my colleagues, partners and friends have often noted, BRICS represents 45 percent of the world’s population, covers 33 percent of the Earth’s land area, and has a continuous growth in trade and global commerce.
I recently spoke with the BRICS Business Council and entrepreneurs from our nations, sharing the figures I have previously mentioned. When comparing 1992 to 2023, the combined growth of the BRICS countries’ share in the global GDP has doubled, while the growth of the G7 countries has slowed down. By this measure, the BRICS nations have already surpassed the G7. Moreover, it is evident that by 2028, this trend will continue, with the gap favouring the BRICS countries only widening. This is a clear and undeniable fact.
In certain sectors, humanity’s existence is impossible without the BRICS countries, particularly in food and energy markets and so on. However, in high-tech fields, especially in the development and application of artificial intelligence, we are not only acquiring competencies but also emerging as leaders in certain areas. This represents a significant shift, one of the most important and noticeable changes in today’s world.
This is a natural occurrence, and there is nothing wrong with it. The world is always evolving, and new leaders continuously emerge. We should accept this calmly as a reality and focus on building our relationships with one another accordingly.
What sets BRICS apart from many other international organisations? BRICS was never meant to be created in opposition to anyone. The Prime Minister of India put it best. He said BRICS is not an anti-Western alliance; it is simply non-Western. This distinction is very important and has great meaning. That is, BRICS does not set itself in opposition to anyone. It is a group of countries that work together, guided by shared values, a common vision for development, and, most importantly, by the consideration of each other’s interests. This is the foundation on which we will be working in Kazan.
Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you, Mr President.
It is true that BRICS countries make up 45 percent of the planet’s population, but even if BRCIS does not make the global majority, then it definitely represents it, because many countries that are not part of BRICS wish this group success and share its values.
I am very happy to present Mr Fan Yun, my colleague from China, who is the editor-in-chief at CGTN and deputy editor-in-chief of China Media Group, deputy of Mr Shen Haixiong. We are giving him the floor first in view of your personal relationship with President Xi Jinping and special relations between Russia and China. Afterwards, we will move clockwise.
Please, Mr Fan Yun.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group, CGTN Director and Editor-in-Chief Fan Yun (retranslated): Mr President,
I am very glad to represent Chinese media at this meeting.
The BRICS summit in Kazan is the first one after the group’s expansion, so we are paying special attention to it. How do you think BRICS countries’ growing role and BRICS expansion will help promote its influence?
You have already mentioned that the group overall accounts for over 33 percent of the global GDP. What contribution will this make to the development of the entire world?
Vladimir Putin: Now BRICS includes ten countries. Each of them is of interest and value to the world community and, of course, to such group as BRICS. Each of these countries has its unique culture, its unique history, its own advantages in the global division of labour, and interaction with these countries is of interest to all BRICS participants.
Of course, when new players, new participants – full-fledged participants – appear and join any international organisation, they make their own contribution. And here it is very important for them to respect the principles on which BRICS was created, and it was created by three countries. The first step was made by Russia, India, and China, we did it together. At that time we created RIC in St Petersburg, Russia, India, and China. Later, it started to expand. On the other hand, however, all countries in the group should also respect the new participants’ interests.
This year, we have done everything within Russia’s capacity to smoothly and gradually integrate all our new members into the group’s activities. In fact, we have 250 events planned across various sectors, with 200 of them already completed.
The decision to accept new countries was no coincidence. These are countries and people we know well, with whom we have collaborated in various fields over a long period. Now that we are working together within a single group, we have created platforms for exchanging ideas and exploring potential joint projects across a range of sectors. While economic cooperation is our primary focus, we are also placing significant emphasis on developing people-to-people and humanitarian ties in such areas as culture, cinema, youth exchanges, and more.
We have been working hard on these tracks throughout the year, and the results show we are on the right path. It is clear that expanding the group was a positive and right decision. I am fully convinced that this will undoubtedly boost our influence and authority on the global stage, something we are already witnessing.
You know that each new country brings its close allies along in various areas. When a country joins the group, its partner nations naturally take an interest in what is happening and often express a desire to collaborate as well.
As I have mentioned many times before, around 30 countries have expressed interest in cooperating with BRICS in some form or participating in its activities. This is a clear and visible impact of our recent expansion. In fact, another wave of interest is already building on the heels of this one. However, we need to carefully consider, alongside all BRICS countries, how best to approach further expansion.
One thing is certain: we will not turn anyone away. The doors are wide open. The question now is how to structure this process, and my colleagues and I, along with our friends, will discuss all these matters when we meet in Kazan.
Dmitry Kiselev: And here you have the voice of the global majority.
I’m pleased to pass the floor to my colleague from Sky News Arabia. Nadim Koteich, one of the most renowned journalists in the Arab world, the author and host of the weekly show Tonight with Nadim. So, we are true colleagues in that sense.
Nadim, please go ahead with your question.
General Manager of Sky News Arabia (UAE) Nadim Koteich (retranslated): Mr President, thank you so much for the opportunity to meet with you. We are thrilled to have you with us.
I represent Sky News Arabia, and before I begin, I want to acknowledge the excellent work your team has done in organising this meeting. We truly appreciate the chance to have an open conversation with you, even though we don’t speak Russian.
I want to clarify that we didn’t discuss specific topics beforehand, and I want everyone to understand and be aware of this. We value this transparency.
Mr President, you have mentioned many times that the world order needs reshaping, which is undoubtedly a challenging task. We recognise the significant influence that China and the United States have in this process. How does Russia perceive its role in this reshaping? Does Russia, in any way, feel like a junior partner in light of the ongoing dynamics between China and the United States?
Vladimir Putin: It is true that we have a unique relationship with China, built on a deep level of trust. Our trade and economic ties are expanding rapidly. According to our data, trade turnover is between US$226 and US$228 billion, while Chinese statistics estimate it at around US$240 billion. These figures speak for themselves.
I have mentioned this many times before, yet I would like to stress again, that Russian-Chinese cooperation on the global stage is undoubtedly one of the key pillars of strategic stability worldwide. This is a fact that I believe is clear to everyone and is widely acknowledged.
Our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is based on equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests. This is not just an empty phrase, it reflects the reality of our cooperation. We genuinely listen to one another. Some five to seven years ago, the Chinese leadership, at both the government and top political levels, and I, along with my friend, President Xi Jinping, often discussed the need to improve the trade balance. We talked about finding ways to increase the presence of Russian products, both industrial and agricultural, on China’s market. Similarly, China had its own requests, particularly in the areas of energy, space cooperation, and other sectors.
We are actively addressing these issues and truly hear each other. If you examine the current trade balance structure, you will find answers to all these questions. Our focus is not just on discussions; we take action. There are no hierarchies between us, we collaborate based on mutual interests, and that approach is effective. That is the first point.
Now, regarding the relations between China and the United States. We do not interfere in these issues, just like we do not interfere in relations (we have colleagues here who will instantly figure out what I am referring to) between Ethiopia and, let’s say, Egypt. Do you understand what I am talking about? We do not interfere, do you see it? If there are any issues arising and if a minute thing depends on us, we are ready to offer our services in resolving these issues, if they arise and the participants in the corresponding process are interested in any involvement from our side.
The world’s biggest economy in terms of purchasing power parity rather than per capita is China. This is all statistics, you see? The United States of America is second. But, in terms of per capita values, the US economy is much bigger. Just look at the population: 1.5 billion or 1.3 billion in China against the population of the United States. The economy volume increased.
The United States holds the second place, India is third, and, incidentally speaking, the Russian Federation is fourth, we managed to overtake Japan a little bit. China is our number one trade and economic partner. Russia’s share is growing, and currently Russia’s share is the fourth in China’s trade turnover, this matters to everyone.
We very carefully measure our every step. Chinese partners are happy to purchase Russian energy resources. Russia is the most reliable source. We have a common border which is not prone to any fluctuations in terms of world politics. By the way, there is no need to transfer anything across borders, over seas or oceans: the entire border is common, period, and energy resources in Russia are infinite.
If you look at the relations between China and the United States, you know, I think the United States needs to start thinking. It ruined relations with Russia, constantly impose sanctions and this, eventually, negatively affects the US and the US dollar. The whole world started contemplating whether US dollars should be used since the United States, for political reasons, restricts the use of the US dollar as a universal international payment unit. Everyone started considering this, and the volume of US dollar use is slowly, in small increments dropping both in settlements and currency reserves. Even traditional allies of the United States are reducing their US dollar reserves.
And what is happening to China? It faces one sanction after another. This is not purely political; it is about the growth of the Chinese economy and attempts to hinder that growth through various politically motivated sanctions.
Here’s what I would like to note. The United States is 15 years too late, they cannot stop China’s progress. It is impossible, just as it is impossible to tell the sun not to rise. It will rise anyway. These are objective processes of economic development, with a million related factors. This effort to contain China’s development negatively affects the US economy as well. It renders the production of some of their goods uncompetitive, and if this trend persists, it could render certain sectors of their economy totally uncompetitive.
This illustrates how the economies of China and the United States have become interconnected over the past few decades, a fact that everyone admits. However, the actions we are witnessing today from the United States appear to be counterproductive, I believe.
This is also related to security policy, particularly the ongoing provocations surrounding Taiwan. I often find myself questioning the motives behind these provocative actions in various regions of the world. Why are they happening? I truly do not understand. In fact, NATO is drawing European nations into Asia through itself. No one seems to consider whether Europeans want to jeopardise their relationship with China by getting involved in Asian affairs through NATO, creating a situation that raises concerns among regional countries, including China. I can assure you that they do not want this. Yet, they are being pulled into this, like small dogs on a leash pulled by a big fellow. Their allies — Japan, Australia, and New Zealand — are nudged into action, tension is growing as serious weaponry is deployed which poses threats to the countries in the region, including China and Russia.
We are closely monitoring this situation. Naturally, we do not interfere, just like in other issues, such as those between Ethiopia and Egypt. However, we firmly consider China to be our strategic partner and ally.
Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you.
The advantage of BRICS is that there are no seniors or juniors in it, and nobody interferes in other countries’ affairs. It is really a very important stance and an important sentiment inside the group.
Mr President, I would like to introduce Faisal Abbas, world-famous columnist on international politics, international Arab politics, who represents the Arab News newspaper.
Please, go ahead, Faisal.
Editor-in-Chief of Arab News (Saudi Arabia) Faisal Abbas (retranslated): Your Excellency, Mr President,
Let me thank you for the opportunity to talk to you about various problems on the international arena which matter a lot.
Here is my question. As you know, Saudi Arabia has been invited to BRICS, and the Foreign Minister will attend the summit in Kazan. As you know, Mr President, the Crown Prince has been busy with settling issues in the Middle East and resolving the two-state problem in Palestine since last October. Moscow has always supported this solution, a two-state solution.
Will the UN Secretary-General attend the BRICS summit? What results can we expect to make it possible to put pressure and stop the bloodshed that is going on in the Middle East, considering that all the BRICS countries agree on the need to implement a two-state solution to the Palestinian problem?
Dmitry Kiselev: Faisal Abbas represents Saudi Arabia.
Vladimir Putin: I understand.
When you were speaking about ceasefire right now, did you mean the Gaza Strip? Did I hear that right?
Faisal Abbas: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: Our position on this is known well. I can hardly add anything new. We have always proceeded from the fact that the Security Council resolution on the creation of two states – Israel and the State of Palestine – must be implemented. This is the root of all the problems, and I am sure that we will have to talk about this at the BRICS summit. I invited the President of Palestine to join our events, and there will be an opportunity to listen to his assessments.
You know, I have had a lot of conversations on this subject with the Israeli leadership, the Saudi Arabian leadership and the Palestinian leadership. I believe it is impossible, just like I told our partners in Israel, to resolve the Palestinian issue based exclusively on economy-related issues. I know that the Israeli leadership – both its current and former leaders – believe it is enough to satisfy some fundamental, basic interests of Palestinians living on these territories, and the issue will be closed.
It seems to me that apart from some material issues, there are issues connected with a spiritual sphere, history, aspirations of peoples living on specific territories. The issue is deeper and more complicated, and work needs to be done in this sphere. This is first.
Second. The work definitely needs to be done within a broad consensus. I do not want to blame the United States for everything but it should not have destroyed the [Middle East] Quartet. I really do not want to point a finger at it all the time and repeat that they are guilty of all woes. This is probably not so. But they should not have destroyed the Quartet, it worked, it was easier to agree on all positions. But the US monopolised the work, took all the responsibility and eventually failed.
I believe we need to get back to it. Maybe expand the Quartet, talk about recovering the territories and bringing back the people who fled them. The Palestinians will not leave the area, it is their land, this needs to be understood. This is first.
Second. The bigger the humanitarian issue is the more there will be of those willing to assert their interests. Incidentally, many people in Israel understand this, too, and share the point of view I am expressing.
I have been in a position to obtain information from people in Israel who hold this view. We are in touch with both Israel and Palestine, of course. We have had a traditional position since the Soviet Union, which states, let me reiterate this, that the main way to resolve the Palestinian issue is to create a full-fledged Palestinian state.
Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you very much.
Chairman of the Sekunjalo Investment Holdings Iqbal Survé is one of the most influential African leaders. His group of companies includes Independent Media and the African News Agency.
Dr Iqbal Survé worked with President Mandela and is a firm advocate of BRICS.
Please, go ahead, Iqbal, South Africa.
Executive Chairman of Independent Media Holding (RSA) Iqbal Survé: Your Excellency, Mr President,
Firstly, congratulations on the summit. And it is really a pleasure and honour that we are here today.
Mr President, you are one of the pioneers of BRICS. As you have quite correctly said, you have been there from the inception, and you have also seen the development of BRICS from the initial RIC to BRICS to include South Africa and now the additional countries.
Mr President, I have had the pleasure of being the Chairman of the BRICS Business Council and also the privilege of having met you previously during those engagements. I am a strong advocate for BRICS myself, but I get the sense that we have moved too slowly. I get the sense that, in a way, we may miss the valuable opportunity to ensure that the BRICS grouping becomes the preeminent grouping in the world. BRICS is very critical at this juncture in terms of where we find ourselves in world history. It is very important for the Global South, or for what Mr Kiselev has said is the Global Majority, and I think Russia has a very important role to play and, in particular, yourself, Mr President.
My question is very specifically to you. How can you and Russia hosting BIRCS accelerate the mechanisms for BRICS to play a far more important role: one, economically; two, in payment systems; and three, which I think is important, politically as well.
Thank you, Mr President.
Vladimir Putin: As for the political order, your Egyptian colleague [has asked about this], I sidestepped it but since you revisited it, so I will get back to the first part of his question, too. He said that I, or we, are declaring and striving to change the world order. We are not, in fact. It is happening naturally. We are simply saying that this is an inevitable process, and we must respond to it accordingly.
These new emerging centres of power are not emerging because the Western countries brought upon us the Ukrainian crisis, and all of this came to the current state. Let me remind you once again: back in 2014, the Western countries led by the US organised, or at least supported, a coup d’etat. This is what sparked the crisis. Then, NATO has been pushed into it for many years. This is how the crisis began. And the war began in 2014, too, because they launched armed actions involving armed forces against people who didn’t accept the coup. So the war broke out in 2014.
However, changes in the world started even earlier, and on a larger scale. This is what we call the emergence of a multipolar world. We just proceed from the fact that this is happening, and we are trying to facilitate this process in a way that would not lead to destruction, but, on the contrary, let things take shape in a new expanding format.
You say that we should act more decisively, but how? We believe, any rush would be inappropriate. We are proceeding incrementally, step by step.
As for finance, say, we did not decide to stop using the US dollar as universal currency, we were denied using it. Now, 95 percent of Russia’s foreign trade with its partners is being carried out in national currencies. You see, they did it themselves. So be it. They thought everything would collapse. No, it did not. Trade is developing on a new foundation.
Ninety-five percent of our trade with China is in ruble and yuan. We also use the yuan in settlements with third countries, which helps strengthen the yuan as an international currency. It is not because China wants to harm anyone, no; it does nothing bad to anyone, but it is the way it is.
This is the first point: settlements in national currencies.
We have established the Bank headed by Ms Rousseff. A lot of work needs to be done there: we need to work on the capital, increase it, I will not list everything. We met with Ms Rousseff several times, she is a good specialist, she understands everything. We need to discuss how to create a corresponding insurance platform, a reserve currency pool. All of these needs to be steadily strengthened to make them real working tools rather than declarations. This is happening.
We would like to propose some really serious things to our colleagues – I will not go into details at this point. There is a serious issue of using digital currencies in investment processes, and not only in BRICS countries but by BRICS countries in the interests of other developing economies which have good development prospects, what I have already mentioned.
We can actually create such a tool which will practically be non-inflationary, it will be controlled by corresponding BRICS institutions. This might be another very interesting, good step in the development of the Global South with our direct active participation. We will talk about this now. Well, not now, I will discuss this with my colleagues.
We are holding consultations with Chinese friends and Indian friends, have had consultations with Brazilians recently, and we will definitely have a talk with South Africa. We will be doing this with everyone, just like we are doing now. We are moving, gradually.
But I believe this is not enough. We need to bring people closer together to work efficiently in the economy. All of our so-called traditional values of the Chinese culture, Christian culture, Islamic culture are, in fact, the same if read and translated from one language into another. They are very close or fully coincide, as diplomats say.
People need to realise and understand this. There are no enemies, only friends and like-minded people. And this is why we are developing a corresponding programme regarding museums and theatres. This year Russia initiated the creation of a single platform even in folk dance art, as well as in cinematography, theatre, and exhibition activity. All of this creates – must create and, I am sure, will create – a colossal, solid base to bring people closer together.
We constantly hold respective themed years with colleagues: the Year of Culture, the Year of Youth Exchanges, the Year of Theatre and so on and so forth. This also draws people closer, creates numerous contacts, increases opportunities. Most importantly, it increases trust in each other. It increases trust and this is a necessary basis for cooperation in the economy and ensuring security.
This is why we will not rush, but we will move, move as fast as we can. We cannot set off this tempo, I also agree with it, you are right.
Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you.
In fact, it is about forming a common cultural BRICS market that would also promote cooperation in economic security.
Next is our Indian guest, Mr President. This is an influential news agency, PTI. Sudhakar Nair has been with PTI for 45 years, rising from a correspondent to an executive editor, he worked in Germany and in the prime minister’s pool.
Please, go ahead, Sudhakar.
Executive Editor of PTI (India) Sudhakar Nair: Thank you, Mr President.
This is my sixth visit to Moscow as part of the coverage of leaders of India and Russia for a period of time.
So, my question relates to a point where you made a passing reference on the question of BRICS countries cooperating together in producing films. As you know, India has a very vibrant film industry. People of 30 years back, 40 years back, still remember some of the Indian films and songs.
Will Russia give an opportunity to film producers from the BRICS countries to open their place and give some incentives for film shooting?
Vladimir Putin: You know, if we take BRICS countries, then perhaps Indian films are as popular in Russia as nowhere else, in no other BRICS country. I think there is even a special television channel that shows Indian films day and night. So, Russia is very interested in the Indian cinema. This my first point.
Second, at Moscow film festivals… Yes, we hold BRICS film festivals. This year, films from almost all BRICS countries have been presented at the Moscow Film Festival. I think the winner was a film by Saudi Arabian and Egyptian directors. There also was a third country, but I don’t remember, I think it was Jordan. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. A film shot by directors from these three countries was the winner.
As for the economic aspect, cinema products are products like everything else. It is a part of the market that must be regulated accordingly. India has adopted a number of decisions to protect its domestic market, not just in terms of cinema, but also for automobiles and other areas. But I believe that if our Indian friends are interested in this, then we will undoubtedly find a common ground to promote Indian film products on the Russian market.
I can say that this product is in high demand on the market in the broad sense of the word, at least in Russia. I think it will be a good business, like Indian pharmaceutics. I will be ready to discuss this with our friend, Prime Minister of India [Narendra Modi], when he arrives in Kazan, if he raises the issue. We are confident we will find a common ground. That’s for sure. I see no problems here.
Dmitry Kiselev: Thank you, Mr President.
Of course, we would like to see not only Indian films, but films starring actors from BRICS countries who represent their diverse cultures.
Vladimir Putin: Raj Kapoor.
(Laughter.)
Dmitry Kiselev: Yes, but let there be an Indian, a Chinese, an Ethiopian, and so on.
Vladimir Putin: You know, I talked with my colleagues, leaders of the BRICS countries, about organising festivals of theatrical art, and it is currently being held. I think we have created a joint academy of cinematography. We will definitely continue on this path.
We discussed the need to create a pop music festival and so on. There is a lot work to be done here. This work is very interesting. Of course, journalists will also be interested in covering this work and taking part in it.
Dmitry Kiselev: Yes.
In the Soviet Union, there were films like Mimino. Natives of the Caucasus, Russians or Ukrainians played parts in war films as actors representing different or close cultures. This is also an interesting style.
A guest from Ethiopia, the CEO of FANA Broadcasting Corporate. This is a major Ethiopian media corporation broadcasting in nine languages.
Admasu Damtew Belete, please.
CEO of FANA Broadcasting Corporate (Ethiopia) Admasu Damtew Belete: Your Excellency, Mr President, I thank you for the chance.
My question is, how to capitalise on a collaborative project that could benefit BRICS+ countries focusing on infrastructure, technology, and education?
I thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Which sphere, I beg your pardon?
Admasu Belete: My question is, how to capitalise on a collaborative project that could benefit BRICS+ countries focusing on infrastructure, technology, and education?
Vladimir Putin: As far as education is concerned, let’s start with it. We traditionally have very good and positive connections and very good experience in training personnel for Africa. We have had this practice for decades, since the Soviet Union.
Thousands of people from Africa got education in Russia, many of them have held very different posts in their countries after getting education in Russia, which is very pleasing for us. As we have witnessed such pictures at the last Russia –Africa summit in St Petersburg which, I believe, made millions of Russian citizens happy, since our media, television and the internet showed how today’s state officials from some African countries sang Russian songs in fairly good Russian. This is definitely a very powerful cooperation potential – education obtained in a foreign country in a foreign language, especially in the host country’s language. We are continuing this practice – I am afraid to cite wrong number – but practically with many African countries if not all of them. This also concerns Ethiopia.
The second question, or the second part of your question – you asked it first – is no less important: infrastructure. We have a lot of projects in this sphere, infrastructure development. The most well-known projects are important and of global nature – this is the North-South project known to many interested colleagues. This is a main railway line from the Baltic Sea and to the Persian Gulf. We are doing this with many of our partners which show interest and are ready to participate in financing this project, among other things.
The second very large route is the Northern Sea Route along the Arctic Ocean. A lot of work is being done there. This is a global route, and many BRICS countries show interest in it because it will give major economic benefits when implemented – and we are implementing it. We are doing very much, this is practical work.
We are building an ice-breaking fleet which is similar to none. Such a nuclear ice-breaking fleet simply does not exist anywhere in the world except for Russia. I believe we have seven nuclear ice-breakers and 34 diesel ice-breakers of a very high class which are powerful and up-to-date.
The ice-breaker Leader, as we call it, is under construction, it will break ice of any thickness, absolutely any ice, and it will operate all year round. As a matter of fact, they escort ships, I think, up to nine months a year, therefore this is a very interesting and big project.
As for Ethiopia, we have traditionally deep relations, very good spiritual, humanitarian connections, and many of our companies show interest in working on the Ethiopian market. These are utility and engineering companies. And I would like all of the plans which we have discussed with the Prime Minister to be implemented. On our part, we will be doing everything for this.
Dmitry Kiselev: We will be breaking ice of any thickness.
Vladimir Putin: Well, it might not be that interesting for Ethiopia as of now. But for such countries as India, China, very many countries in other regions of the world, this represents a huge economic interest. And this is why we are discussing this as part of BRICS and bilaterally, and we are ready for such work with our BRICS partners.
Dmitry Kiselev: Egypt’s leading news agency, MENA, Salaheldin Magauri.
Please, go ahead.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of MENA news agency (Egypt) Salaheldin Magauri (retranslated): Mr President, my name is Salaheldin Magauri. I represent MENA news agency from Egypt. Thank you very much for inviting me to this meeting.
We, of course, know that the Russian Federation holds a fair position on many issues of the agenda and takes everyone’ interests into account. Russia is aspiring for cooperation rather than interference in others’ affairs. In particular, as part of BRICS, we see that Russia supports aspirations of different countries which want to join it.
We understand that the summit is taking place in a turbulent time amidst many challenges and threats which we see at the global level. I would like to hear your vision of future cooperation between BRICS member states and modalities of the group’s expansion, in particular, the economy.
A common BRICS currency, which could facilitate the development of economic cooperation and strengthen national currencies, among other things, is especially intriguing.
What are the long-term steps in this regard?
Vladimir Putin: As for the BRICS common currency, we are not considering this issue. Its time has not come yet. We need to be very careful and act gradually, without any rush.
We currently study the possibilities to make wider use of national currencies and create tools which would allow making such work safe. Just as I mentioned it, we are examining the possibility of using electronic tools. We need – and this work is being done – to smooth things out between central banks and ensure reliable exchange of financial information which would not depend on those international financial information exchange tools which impose specific restrictions for political reasons and violate the global economy principles. We will be expanding the work of the currency pool and strengthening the New Development Bank. We will be moving in these directions.
To speak about the creation of a common currency, the economies must be highly integrated. And apart from high integration of the economies, they must be equal in quality and volume. But equal volume is impossible, I mean the population and the economies themselves. However, the economies must be roughly equivalent in terms of structure and efficiency. Otherwise we will face bigger problems than the problems which arose in the European Union when the common currency was introduced in countries who had an incomparable level of the economies, they were not equivalent. This is why it is a long-term prospect, but potentially this could happen, we will be able to talk about this in future.
Regarding expansion, the latest wave of BRICS expansion is over; obviously, it is only natural that our colleagues present here have asked questions as to what steps we are taking to get new group members adapted to joint activities. These efforts also require a certain amount of time, even given that we have worked and interacted with each other for a while. We still need to work on this as a single structure.
As I have mentioned, we see a growing interest in BRICS activities and involvement in them, with 30 states indicating their willingness to cooperate with the group. So, jointly with our colleagues – and I am going to dwell on it with our friends, leaders of BRICS states, in Kazan – we are developing such category as BRICS partner countries, the initial step being the efforts to organise this work. For Russia, these primarily include the CIS and the Eurasian Economic Union member states, but we are willing to invite countries representing other regions and work with them as well. This is the first thing.
Second, we obviously need consensus, and we will act carefully in this regard based on two principles: multilateralism and efficiency of the association’s work. While increasing the number of BRICS states, we should avoid reducing the effectiveness of the structure to a minimum. Therefore, we will act by following these considerations.
What was the first question? There are two. Is that all or is there something else you asked
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