Russian President Vladimir Putin has been actively engaging in international diplomacy at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, signaling Russia’s efforts to strengthen its global partnerships despite ongoing tensions with the West. On September 4, Putin held meetings with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.In his meeting with Han Zheng, Putin emphasized that Russia-China relations have reached an ‘unprecedented high level,’ highlighting the importance of inter-regional cooperation between the two nations. Putin proposed holding a bilateral working meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22-24. ‘As agreed, we are expecting Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit,’ Putin stated.The Russian President also extended an invitation to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to attend the BRICS leaders’ meeting in Kazan. During his talks with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin, Putin discussed cooperation prospects between Serbia and Russia’s Far East regions, urging Serbia to consider collaboration and address the recent decline in bilateral trade.Putin’s diplomatic efforts at the Eastern Economic Forum and his invitation to world leaders for the BRICS summit appear to be part of a strategy to demonstrate that Russia is not isolated internationally, despite ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict. The BRICS group, which now includes new members Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran alongside the original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a significant portion of the world’s population and economic power.These diplomatic engagements come in the wake of Putin’s recent visit to Mongolia, which had sparked international controversy due to an outstanding ICC arrest warrant. The contrast between the criticism faced during the Mongolia visit and the current diplomatic activities in Vladivostok highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations in the current geopolitical climate.
Key points
- Putin met with Chinese, Serbian, and Malaysian officials at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
- Putin emphasized ‘unprecedented’ high level of Russia-China relations and proposed a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping at the upcoming BRICS summit.
- The BRICS summit, scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, is seen as an opportunity for Putin to demonstrate Russia’s continued international engagement.
