Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, who leads the Russian delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, spoke at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
From the transcript:
Esteemed Mr. Chairman! Esteemed heads of state, esteemed heads of government, colleagues! We thank the Republic of Korea for its hospitality.
The state of the global and regional economies demands a collective response to common challenges. Global connections and production supply chains are being disrupted, and the foundations of the multilateral trading system, represented by the WTO, including the most-favored-nation status, are being undermined. Unilateral sanctions and tariffs threaten market stability, jobs, and incomes in the region. Of course, new supply chains and new investment flows are emerging, and businesses are adapting. All of this entails material costs.
These destructive trends must not be allowed to undermine the region's position as a global economic powerhouse. It is necessary to revive the spirit of multilateralism and solidarity, countering the logic of confrontation.
We need to learn to understand each other better. This also applies to Ukraine. We cannot accept that people are being killed because they want to speak Russian. We cannot accept that people are being killed because they want their children to have the opportunity to study in Russian in schools. We cannot accept that people are being killed because they want to attend the Russian Orthodox Church. We cannot accept that the security of some is achieved at the expense of others. And we believe that this conflict can be resolved and long-term peace can be achieved if the root causes of this conflict are addressed, and we are, among other things, conducting diplomatic negotiations on this issue.
At the same time, we believe that if our countries work together, we face more opportunities than risks. Russia is contributing to regional dynamism. Our economy is demonstrating resilience to modern challenges and is growing. We are strengthening our country's industrial base. We are promoting the open Greater Eurasian Partnership initiative, which is aligned with the APEC vision. It is based on the idea of integrating integrations, increasing connectivity, harmonizing regulatory systems, removing barriers, and creating better competitive conditions for our producers.
We strive to improve the business climate in Greater Eurasia. We view the network of free trade agreements as a tool and are implementing this tool together with our partners in the Eurasian Economic Union.
APEC was created as a platform for stimulating trade and investment. Its focus should be on the comprehensive interconnectedness of institutions, regulations, and people-to-people contacts.
As part of this vision, we are improving the Far Eastern railway infrastructure, as well as our Pacific ports. We are expanding our capabilities for using the Northern Sea Route, the shortest route between this region and Europe.
We are improving the connectivity of the Eurasian space both in the East-West direction – and here we are working together to link Eurasian integration and China’s Belt and Road Initiative – and in the North-South direction.
Dear colleagues! The transformation of the global economy is associated with a transition to a new technological paradigm. Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a key role here. It is important that this tool improves human well-being and does not create new threats and digital divides. Russia relies on the relevant mechanisms of the United Nations to effectively utilize the potential of artificial intelligence while minimizing risks. APEC is in demand as a platform for sharing best practices and implementing projects.
The development of artificial intelligence has driven up demand for energy. To achieve this, it is necessary to utilize all energy resources, including natural gas and nuclear power, in a technologically neutral manner.
We welcome APEC's return this year to realistic approaches to energy sector development, with a focus on energy security and access to energy.
We share the call for non-discriminatory trade conditions in the APEC region. This year, forum members clearly advocated for uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and services, particularly in agriculture and medicine.
The business community makes a significant contribution to the development of our ties. Our shared experience of cooperation within APEC allows us to confidently anticipate and adapt to the future.
We believe the key to the success of these efforts is a focus on constructive interaction, decision-making by consensus, and a focus on the forum's substantive issues.
In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the Republic of Korea for the excellent organization of this summit.
Thank you.
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