First day of G20 summit
June 28, 2019
15:30
Osaka
Joint photo session of the heads of delegations from the G20, invited guest countries and international organisations.
During the working meetings on the first day of the summit, the heads of delegations from the G20 countries, invited guest countries and international organisations discussed the global economy, trade and investment. The G20 leaders exchanged opinions on the economic situation in the world and ways to stimulate development. They held discussions on the current aspects of activity in innovation, recent trends in the digital economy and AI, cross-border data transfer, as well as ensuring security in the sphere of information and communication technology.
Vladimir Putin held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit and attended a meeting in the RIC format between Russia, India and China.
Meeting between leaders of Russia, India and China
Vladimir Putin took part in a meeting in the Russia-India-China (RIC) format with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka.
June 28, 2019
11:00
Osaka
With Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping at the meeting between leaders of Russia, India and China.
Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi (retranslated): Your Excellencies, Mr Xi Jinping, Mr Putin,
Last year, our three countries held a summit in Argentina after a long interval. After a very useful exchange of opinions on key global matters, we decided to meet again in the future. Today, I am absolutely delighted to be greeting you all at this unofficial Russia-India-China gathering.
Mutual exchange of opinions on the status of the global economy, politics and security between us as key world economies has special significance. This trilateral meeting between us today is a very useful tool for discussing and coordinating our positions on a number of international matters.
Our foreign ministers have exchanged opinions on a number of topics during the February 2019 meeting in China. These matters include the fight against terrorism, international hotbeds of tension, the problems of a multilateral approach, climate change, and higher Russia-India-China cooperation.
And now, I would like Xi Jinping to voice his remarks.
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): It is a real pleasure for me to meet with Mr Putin and Mr Modi at this unofficial Russia-India-China meeting. I would like to thank India for organising and preparing this event.
In November, we had very successful talks in Buenos Aires, and we are now meeting once again here in Osaka seven months later.
China, Russia and India are countries boasting huge emerging markets, and we are jointly committed to solidarity and cooperation. I would like to conduct a profound exchange of opinions, as regards the economic situation as well as the problems concerning RIC cooperation, with Mr Putin and Mr Modi.
Thank you.
Narendra Modi: And now, I would like to give the floor to Mr Putin.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Prime Minister Modi, President Xi Jinping,
The joint work in the Russia-India-China format is obviously beneficial both in terms of developing and strengthening relations directly between our countries and in terms of the contribution our three countries make to resolving acute international and regional problems.
I note that in line with the understandings reached at our last meeting in Buenos Aires, cooperation within the RIC framework has become noticeably more active. The trilateral foreign policy coordination has been growing. In February our foreign ministers had another, now the 16th round of consultations. The dialogue of our security councils, financial intelligence agencies and other sectoral institutions has been developing concurrently. Representatives of the scientific, academic and young people’s communities are interacting closely. In this context, I note that Russia will host a festival of young diplomats from the RIC countries this autumn. Friends, we hope your countries will be actively involved.
It is important that Russia’s, India’s and China’s positions are close or coincide on most issues of the world economic and political agenda. Our countries stand for the preservation of the system of international relations with the UN Charter and international law at its core. We assert such fundamental principles of international ties as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in countries’ internal affairs.
Russia, India and China are jointly working for stronger global stability, combatting the terrorist threat, extremism, drug trafficking and cybercrime, and thus are laying the foundation for equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia.
Good results have been produced by the three-party coordination of approaches to the most significant issues on the agenda of key international organisations, such as the UN, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where Russia has recently assumed the presidency, and, of course, the G20.
I think our countries, for example, could jointly advocate greater authority of the World Trade Organisation and the preservation of its role as a universal entity regulating international trade. Joint support of the efforts to reform the International Monetary Fund is another important task.
In a broader context, our cooperation in the RIC format could become a model for establishing an up-to-date, just and multipolar world order that rejects protectionism, the policy of unilateral actions and illegitimate sanctions.
In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to our Indian colleagues and Prime Minister Modi personally for the preparation of today’s meeting.
Thank you.
Meeting with US President Donald Trump
Vladimir Putin met with President of the United States of America Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka.
June 28, 2019
09:30
Osaka
With President of the United States Donald Trump. Photo: Mikhail Metzel, TASS
President of the United States of America Donald Trump: Thank you very much everybody.
It’s a great honour to be with President Putin, his representatives, my representatives. We have many things to discuss, including trade, and including some disarmament, a little protectionism, perhaps, in a very positive way. We’re going to discuss a lot of different things.
We’ve had great meetings, we’ve had a very, very good relationship, and we look forward to spending some very good time together.
A lot of very positive things are going to come out of the relationship. So Vladimir, thank you very much.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I agree with Mr President – we do have much to discuss, and have already outlined all the topics.
We have not met for a long time, since the Helsinki meeting. But our colleagues have been working, giving us a good opportunity to follow up on what we agreed in Helsinki, so thanks to both parties.
Conversation with British Prime Minister Theresa May
The President of Russia had a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Theresa May. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka.
June 28, 2019
11:30
Osaka
With British Prime Minister Theresa May. Photo: Mikhail Metzel, TASS
Trade and economic relations between the two countries as well as international issues were discussed. In particular, the parties exchanged views on Ukraine, Syria and Iran.
Conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron
The President of Russia met with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in Osaka.
June 28, 2019
17:30
Osaka
With President of France Emmanuel Macron.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,
I am very pleased to use our stay in Osaka to talk about our bilateral relations.
I would like to emphasise once again that France is one of our main foreign partners. We have gained much experience in constructive cooperation in many areas. Of course, we are aware of the problems and we discuss them. In fact, we were fairly active even during our working lunch in discussing some international issues that are definitely of mutual interest. And we can talk about all these issues in a calm atmosphere. I am very grateful that you have found the time for this meeting. Thank you.
President of France Emmanuel Macron (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President, dear Vladimir.
I am happy that we have another opportunity to exchange opinions, primarily on our bilateral agenda, which has received new impetus after your visit to Versailles and my visit to St Petersburg.
There are matters and issues on which we must make progress in the next few weeks. I hope we will discuss them. Our foreign and defence ministers will have an important meeting in the “two-plus-two” format in a few weeks.
This is also a chance to discuss regional issues. Our countries are members of the UN Security Council. I believe it is important to discuss, as we already have, the developments in Ukraine, which we are monitoring within the Minsk process. A meeting is scheduled to take place in July between political advisors within the Normandy format. Of course, today we will also touch on developments in Iran and in Syria. We have a lot of work to do together.
I know that cooperation between our countries, members of the UN Security Council, is of the utmost importance in today’s global situation. And I know that liberal democracies still have a lot to do and add in this modern, unpredictable world. This is not the only development model, but a model that is still alive and has effect. I believe that a dialogue between liberal democracies and the countries that consider themselves among them will allow us to build and achieve many things. This is why I believe our discussion will be productive.
Vladimir Putin: We will have time for a discussion. There is always potential; nothing disappears completely, nothing dies; one form turns into another, and everything is constantly developing.
Conversation with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in
Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as topical regional issues.
June 28, 2019
19:10
Osaka
Conversation with President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,
I am very glad to see you again.
Neighbourly relations between Russia and the Republic of Korea, which we consider to be one of our key partners in Asia, are developing properly. Next year we will mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between our countries.
Trade is growing, last year by 29 percent and in the first months of this year by another 39 percent. One hundred and fifty South Korean companies work in Russia, and current investment totals $2.7 billion.
Mr President, we could discuss both these issues and certainly those that are of mutual interest. I mean the developments in the region as a whole and on the Korean Peninsula, especially because, as you know, I recently met with the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. I would like to share my impressions of that meeting with you and discuss the situation in general.
President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in (retranslated): I am very glad to see you again after our meeting in Singapore in November last year. This is our fifth meeting. The more often we meet, the better our relations become, and I am happy about this.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your letter of condolences to the families of those who died or were injured in the tragic boat wreck in Hungary. I would also like to express my deep condolences over the sudden death of Vadim Kabayev, an experienced diplomat and counsellor of the Russian Embassy in the Republic of Korea.
I would like to note that our bilateral relations are making steady progress in various fields. I am especially satisfied that our high-level contacts have increased. I would like to mention that Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Nikolai Patrushev visited Korea in April and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang visited Russia in May. Recently, this month Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha was in Russia.
Conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa
Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa in Osaka, Japan.
June 28, 2019
06:00
Osaka
Conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,
Please accept my heartfelt greetings.
Our previous meeting took place in July 2018 in Johannesburg. Today I want to congratulate you once again on the victory of your party, African National Congress, in the general election in May and you personally on re-election as president. I wish you good luck and every success.
We assign high priority to developing our multidimensional relations with South Africa. Specific steps to promote our bilateral overarching strategic partnership were formalised in the joint statement we adopted last year in Johannesburg.
Our close cooperation at the international arena will continue. I hope that we will further promote everything that has been achieved over the previous years, including with your participation.
We welcome South Africa’s efforts as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019 and 2020 and highly appreciate the results of South Africa’s presidency in BRICS in 2018. This November, we are to work together in Brazil within the framework of BRICS and next summer the five countries’ meeting will take place in Russia.
Mr President, we hope to see you in Sochi at the first Russia–Africa summit in October and just before the summit, on October 23, there will be a major economic forum. With due regard to our special, good-hearted and warm allied relationship, we rely on your assistance, Mr President, in preparing for this summit.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa: Thank you very much, President Putin. I want to welcome this opportunity to meet with you once again. It is always a great pleasure to have discussions and consultations with yourselves.
I’d like to start by thanking you for the congratulatory message that you sent, but especially the envoy that you sent to represent you at the inauguration.
I would like to reaffirm the importance that I personally attach, as well as South Africa attaches, to the relationship that we have with your country. This partnership builds on the bonds of friendship that were forged many many years ago during our period of struggle, when the Soviet Union supported us very actively and practically. A support that we continue to enjoy with the Russian Federation under your leadership. We really appreciate that.
I also would like to appreciate the cooperation that we enjoy and have as members of BRICS. You continue to support the various efforts that we make in BRICS and indeed, in a number of other international fora. Our continued cooperation, not only at the UN, the UN Security Council and many other international fora is something that strengthens us and we really appreciate that.
We look forward to coming to Sochi, and we thank you for your invitation. I am hoping that our participation there will continue to deepen and advance our relationship. And I know that I still have an outstanding visit to Russia, and I would like to take that invitation up. We will be discussing the dates when that should best happen. So it’s something that we have at the top of our mind because we look forward to that opportunity to further deepen relations between our two countries on a number of issues, social, economic, cultural, technological, and in many other ways.
Our relationship with the Russian Federation is a very special one, and we thank you for being able to meet us.
Meeting of BRICS leaders
BRICS heads of state and government held a meeting ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka.
June 28, 2019
05:00
Osaka
BRICS summit participants.
The five-party meeting was attended by President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of China Xi Jinping and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
* * *
Speech at the meeting of BRICS heads of state and government
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues,
Our traditional meetings in anticipation of the G20 summits undoubtedly play an important role in shaping common views on key issues of these forums’ agenda. These meetings demonstrate that the strategic partnership of the BRICS countries is working.
The global economic situation cannot but raise concerns. It is indicative that international trade is no longer the driving force of economic growth and is carrying an increasingly heavier burden of protectionism, politically motivated restrictions and barriers. Business activity is showing poor performance indicators; the global debt is increasing; there is high volatility in financial, foreign exchange and commodity markets. In these circumstances it appears that BRICS states must act as initiators in building a more just and sustainable global development model on the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and consideration for the interests of all countries.
It is important to not only register existing problems. Let’s work together on searching for solutions, possible agreements that could become a blueprint for discussion in a wider circle of interested states. In particular, this concerns resolving the difficulties faced by global trade. Clearly, it needs to be adapted to modern reality. In this context, a reform of the World Trade Organisation is coming to the fore.
We think any attempts to destroy the WTO or diminish its role are counterproductive. WTO members need to agree on principles of cooperation in such new industries as e-commerce, online financial transactions, as well as formulate clear and unambiguous rules of cooperation in investment, services and infrastructure development. Of course, it is necessary to develop explicit and understandable rules of operation for transnational corporations that would prevent monopolisation of markets and guarantee free access to technology.
Next. BRICS can and must play a more influential role in global finances, insist on continuing the IMF reform and strengthening authority of emerging economies and developing countries in the fund.
Joint implementation of the practice of using national currencies of our states in international transactions also seems to have good prospects.
We could boost security of financial operations by integrating the five countries’ payment service providers and creating an independent communication channel between national banks. I believe it is extremely important taking into account our current conditions. It would also contribute to increased stability of the BRICS banking systems against external impact.
In this context, we find it advantageous to further expand the operations of the New Development Bank that already finances 35 investment projects worth over $9 billion. Regarding the expansion of the bank’s shareholding structure, our opinion is that this matter needs to be addressed in stages. The first thing to do would be to approve a quota formula for prospective shareholders and regulatory documents, followed by ensuring a balanced regional representation.
There are extensive opportunities for BRICS cooperation in the digital economy and other new and booming hi-tech industries. Russia offers its partners a number of advanced ICT and AI projects. Last year at the G20 meeting, we proposed an initiative to protect the rights of online consumers and the proposal was met with definite understanding. We hope that our BRICS partners will keep working with us on promoting this issue within the G20.
We stand for stronger cooperation between our countries in such vitally important area as energy. Since the BRICS members include leading global energy consumers and producers our association could be more active in the matters related to global energy security and universal access to energy.
We also propose discussing what can be done in the BRICS format for harmonising the global energy market and reducing fuel prices volatility. And, of course, we can see excellent prospects for joint work on broadening the use of environmentally friendly fuels, natural gas and nuclear and hydro energy. This is necessary for a gradual transition to more sustainable energy systems, balanced economic growth and lower emissions.
Colleagues,
I note that the role of the BRICS countries in responding to acute challenges and threats to international peace and security is steadily increasing. I am referring to the settlement of crises and conflicts in Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Middle East or the Korean Peninsula. Thus, the legitimate Syrian government managed to stop large-scale bloodshed in its country largely thanks to Russia’s all-round support. At the current stage it is important to stamp out the remaining hotbeds of tension, continue assistance to the Syrian authorities in the delivery of relief consignments, restoration of the derailed economy and infrastructure, and the return of refugees. We believe it is important to have our partners in the BRICS more actively involved in dealing with these matters.
Speaking of our cooperation in combatting the terrorist threat on a broader plane, I would like to commend the useful initiatives of the Brazilian Presidency aimed at promoting interaction in blocking the sources of terrorist financing and stopping extremist propaganda. We support all of these ideas and are committed to their joint implementation.
In conclusion, I want to thank our Brazilian colleagues and President Bolsonaro personally for the organisation of this meeting. Of course, we will meet with each other again on the sidelines of this summit and will be able to exchange opinions on the move regarding any issues, but the beginning of our work in this format seems to me symptomatic and very appropriate.
Thank you.
BRICS Summit Media Statement
June 28, 2019
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, met on 28 June 2019 on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. We congratulated the G20 Japanese Presidency and expressed our gratitude for the hospitality provided.
2. We note the priorities chosen by Japan for its presidency, including trade, science, technology and innovation, infrastructure, climate change, universal health coverage, aging populations and sustainable development.
3. The world economic growth appears to be stabilising and is generally projected to pick up moderately later this year and into 2020. However, the strengthening of growth remains highly uncertain, with rising trade and geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility, inequality and insufficient inclusive growth, and tighter financial conditions adding to the risk. Global imbalances remain large and persistent and require thorough monitoring and timely policy responses. We further stress the importance of a favourable global economic environment for sustained growth of international trade.
4. In this scenario, we note with satisfaction that the BRICS countries have been the main drivers of global growth over the last decade, and currently represent close to a third of global output. Projections indicate that the BRICS will continue to account for more than half of global economic growth through 2030. Continued implementation of structural reforms will enhance our growth potential. Balanced trade expansion among BRICS members will further contribute to strengthening international trade flows.
5. In helping to address challenges and to fully benefit from opportunities, we acknowledge the importance of, among others: open markets; stronger economic resilience; financial stability; well-designed and coordinated macroeconomic policies, as appropriate; structural reforms; adequate investment in human capital; reduction in poverty levels and inequality; effective competition to promote investment and innovation; open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environments; cooperation in public-private partnerships (PPP); and infrastructure financing and development. International and domestic measures in these areas and others will contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We call for greater participation of developing countries in the global value chains. We recognise the importance of the interface between trade and the digital economy. We also affirm the role of data for development.
6. We are committed to transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade. Protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the spirit and rules of the WTO. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and international law, and our full support to the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its center. We will work constructively with all WTO Members on the necessary reform of the Organization, with a view to better addressing current and future challenges in international trade, thus enhancing its relevance and effectiveness. The reform must, inter alia, preserve the centrality, core values and fundamental principles of the WTO, and consider the interests of all members, including developing countries and LDCs. It is imperative that the WTO negotiation agenda be balanced and be discussed in an open, transparent and inclusive manner.
7. The WTO dispute settlement mechanism is an indispensable pillar of the multilateral trading system and the Appellate Body is essential for the proper and effective functioning of the Organisation. We remain committed to the preservation of a functioning two-stage binding adjudication system for disputes in the WTO. Recalling the urgency of solving the impasse in the appointment of members of the WTO Appellate Body, we urge that the Appellate Body selection process be initiated immediately.
8. We reaffirm our commitment to a strong, quota-based and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the center of the Global Financial Safety Net. We reiterate our commitment to work with the Executive Board towards the implementation of the IMF quota and governance reform on the basis of the principles agreed in 2010. We remain committed to concluding the 15th General Review of Quotas no later than the 2019 Annual Meetings.
9. We note with appreciation the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in infrastructure financing and sustainable development and stress the need for enhanced and continued efforts to build a strong, balanced and high-quality portfolio of projects. We emphasize the importance of a focused effort to address the backlog in critical infrastructure investments in member countries. The NDB will be strengthened by the establishment of regional offices. We welcome the NDB’s commitment to mobilise resources in the domestic currencies of all its members, starting in China, as well as the upcoming bond programmes in South Africa and Russia. We look forward to the early implementation of the NDB Project Preparation Fund and expect it to become an efficient instrument for the preparation of projects, providing technical assistance to the NDB member countries.
10. We stress the continued importance of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) as a mechanism to forestall short-term balance of payment pressures in member countries. Following the successful test run conducted in 2018, we commit to further more complex test runs to ensure its operational readiness to respond to a call on resources, if needed. We welcome the functioning of the CRA System of Exchange in Macroeconomic Information (SEMI). We welcome continued efforts to establish the BRICS Local Currency Bond Fund and look forward to starting its operation. We also support cooperation between the CRA and the IMF.
11. We strongly condemn terrorist attacks, including against BRICS countries, in all forms and manifestations, wherever and by whom so ever committed. We urge concerted efforts and a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism under the UN auspices on a firm international legal basis. We reiterate that it is the responsibility of all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and of terrorist actions from their territories. We reiterate our commitment to fight the exploitation of internet for terrorist purposes. While recognising that states have the leading role to ensure safety and security in the use of ICTs, we call on the technology companies to cooperate with governments, in accordance with applicable law, to eliminate the ability of terrorists to use digital platforms to encourage, recruit, facilitate or commit terrorist acts.
12. We remain firmly committed to fighting corruption and will continue to foster integrity in the public and private sectors. We will, therefore, strive to promote international anticorruption cooperation and strengthening of legal frameworks, as appropriate, to more effectively address cases of corruption especially with regard to assets recovery. We will seek to enhance our mutual efforts in the prosecution of persons sought for corruption. We recognise the role of whistle-blowers[1] in preventing and combating corruption in both the public and private sectors and the need to improve measures to protect whistle-blowers.
13. We acknowledge that corruption, including illicit money and financial flows, and ill-gotten wealth stashed in foreign jurisdictions, is a global challenge which may impact negatively on economic growth and sustainable development. We will strive to coordinate our approach and encourage a stronger global commitment in this regard. We also recognise the need to strengthen cooperation, subject to domestic legal systems, in anti-corruption law enforcement, extradition of fugitives, economic and corruption offenders, and in recovering stolen assets. We reaffirm our commitment to support international cooperation in combating illicit financial flows, including cooperation within the Financial Actions Task Force (FATF), the World Customs Organisation and other relevant multilateral mechanisms.
14. We recognise the crucial role of cooperation in transitioning towards cleaner, more flexible energy efficient systems that combine growth with decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring energy security, access to energy, sustainability and affordability. We acknowledge the importance of varied sources of energy and technological advances to achieve a low emission future, such as solar energy, sustainable bioenergy and natural gas in transportation. In this regard, we acknowledge efforts by BRICS countries in promoting international cooperation on renewable energy resources and reiterate our commitment to strengthen the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform, aiming at facilitating joint studies on sustainable energy and sharing advanced energy technologies.
15. We remain committed to the full implementation of the Paris Agreement, adopted under the principles of the UNFCCC, including the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. We urge developed countries to provide financial, technological and capacity-building support to developing countries to enhance their capability in mitigation and adaptation. We look forward to the UN Climate Action Summit to be held in September this year to produce positive outcomes.
16. Recalling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we reaffirm our strong commitment to sustainable development. We stress the importance of fully honoring official development assistance commitments and the provision of development resources, in accordance with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. We continue to support the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda, the G20 Initiative on Supporting Industrialisation in Africa and Least Developed Countries and the G20 Africa Partnership, including the Compact with Africa.
17. We commend Brazil for identifying Economic Growth for an Innovative Future as the theme of the 2019 Chairship. Recognising that innovation is a key driving force behind development, we reaffirm our commitment to maximise the benefits of digitalisation and emerging technologies, including for the population of rural and remote areas. We encourage joint efforts to share good practices on internet-driven poverty alleviation and digital transformation of the industrial sector. We stress the importance of continuing BRICS scientific, technical, innovation and entrepreneurship cooperation, including the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR), iBRICS Network, the BRICS Institute of Future Networks, and Young Scientists Forum.
18. We express our support to the Brazilian BRICS Chairship in 2019 and look forward to a successful 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia, in November.
Interview with The Financial Times
On the eve of the G20 summit, Vladimir Putin spoke with The Financial Times Editor Lionel Barber and Moscow Bureau Chief Henry Foy.
June 27, 2019
22:00
The Kremlin, Moscow
Vladimir Putin’s interview with The Financial Times.
Lionel Barber: Mr President, you head for Osaka shortly as the senior statesman at the G20. Nobody has been to so many international meetings of this grouping and the G7 over the last 20 years while you have been in charge of Russia. Before we talk about the G20 agenda and what you hope to achieve, we know that there are rising tensions between America and China in trade, the risk of conflict in the Gulf. I would be very grateful if you could talk a bit about how you have seen the world change over the last 20 years while you have been in power.
