More than 40 foreign guests from 18 countries will attend the 10th International Primakov Readings Forum in Moscow to discuss external challenges facing Russia.
The anniversary event, themed "Russia in the Global Context," will take place on June 25-26 at the World Trade Center. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, will deliver the keynote speech.
Alexander Dynkin, Deputy Chairman of the Forum's Organising Committee and President of IMEMO, announced at a press conference at TASS. "The West miscalculated its ability to isolate our economy. Sanctions against Russia only strengthen ties between countries of the Global South, BRICS, SCO, and the EAEU, hindering the fragmentation of the global economy. Experts in the West understand Russian realities less and less. Therefore, we decided to focus this year on the theme of Russia in the world," noted Dynkin.
This year's Forum will honor Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov, whose 95th birthday will be celebrated this autumn. The conference will open with a session on Primakov's scientific and political legacy.
Dynkin emphasized that over 1,000 representatives from the Russian and foreign expert communities, government agencies, and political and business circles are expected to participate. Discussions will cover the role of BRICS in shaping a new global economic architecture, vectors of interaction between Greater Eurasia countries, the emerging polycentric world order in the military-strategic sphere, the impact of modern crises on European security, opportunities for the Russian economy, and the role of culture in international relations.
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, highlighted the Forum's significance amidst major global changes. "We are experiencing a major era rift, similar to the end of the Cold War. The level of uncertainty has significantly increased, making it important to develop a shared vision of future institutions and security contours on authoritative platforms like the Primakov Readings," stated Kosachev.
Special attention will be given to arms control in the context of a polycentric world, moderated by Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. "The Primakov Readings set the highest bar for discussion platforms, not just in Russia. It is a national treasure, crucial for active dialogue among participants from a wide range of countries," emphasized Ryabkov.
Alexey Arbatov, Head of the Center for International Security of IMEMO, noted the importance of transitioning from the old world to the new while preserving peaceful conflict resolution and arms control. "We are going through a difficult period with both tracks largely at an impasse. The main task for Russian foreign policy and global politics is to transit while preserving these tested methods," said Arbatov.
Experts will also focus on Greater Eurasia as a territory of opportunities. Sergey Lebedev, Secretary-General of the CIS, highlighted the significance of Eurasian integration and cooperation within the CIS amidst Western sanctions. "The CIS countries and the Eurasian region must stand together, preserving relations of friendship and good-neighborliness," noted Lebedev.
The Ukrainian crisis and the future of Eurasian security will also be addressed. Konstantin Bogdanov, Senior Researcher at the Center for International Security of IMEMO, stressed the importance of multilateral dialogue on Eurasian security. "The settlement of the Ukrainian crisis will be a cornerstone for a new global security architecture," shared Bogdanov.
Guests from 18 countries, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, China, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, the USA, Uzbekistan, and Switzerland, will attend. Confirmed participants include Ambassadors and Advisers from India, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Argentina, and France.