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Speaking at an informal meeting of the  Background information BRICS BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Vladimir Putin stressed that in the G20 discussions on the state of the global economy, Russia will focus on ways of ensuring positive momentum in global trade. According to the President of Russia, the G20 should be proactive in promoting open, equitable and mutually beneficial trade in keeping with WTO rules.

Improving the international financial system so that all economies can benefit from it, including developing economies, remains high on the G20’s agenda. Vladimir Putin said that further promoting IMF reform is essential for delivering on this objective.

The President went on to say that Russia attaches special importance to issues related to climate change and energy. “Russia is a reliable energy supplier to global markets, and to many countries and regions of the world,” he pointed out.

In addition, Vladimir Putin spoke about counter-terrorism efforts, noting that no country is able to overcome this scourge and protect its people on its own. Accordingly, Russia, on a number of occasions, has called for a single counter-terrorist front with the United Nations playing a central role.

Following the meeting, the BRICS leaders issued a joint press communique.

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Speech at informal meeting of heads of state and government of BRICS countries

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, colleagues,

We appreciate the BRICS tradition of comparing views before G20 summit meetings and other key international events.

I would like to say a few words about Russia’s positions on the key issues on the G20 meeting agenda. The key priority is terrorism.

Experience shows that no country, however powerful, can deal with this evil or reliably protect its citizens on its own.

This is why Russia has, on several occasions, advanced the concept of a common UN-led counterterrorism front. This time, we will again urge our G20 partners to join forces against terrorism and work together to eliminate the political, social, economic and ideological preconditions for the rise and expansion of terrorism.

During discussions on the global economic situation at the G20 summit, Russia will highlight the need to promote an upward trend in global trade. We are against the economic protectionism that is gaining momentum in the world.

Illegal and politically biased trade and financial restrictions are actually aimed at removing rivals and result in the curtailment of business ties and a loss of trust between partners in economic cooperation, which is destroying the global economic fabric.

In light of this, the G20 should more energetically uphold the principles of open, equal and mutually beneficial multilateral trade as stipulated in the universal rules of the World Trade Organisation.

We are convinced that the G20 should make a bigger contribution to the creation of a fair system of global economic development, one that is capable of ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth and that can help remove the imbalances that have developed among countries.

As we all know, the global economy’s transition to a new industrial order is underpinned by the development of digital technology. We believe that the G20 could take on a leading role in shaping international regulations in this area.

Improving the international financial system so all economies can benefit from it, including those in the developing world, remains high on the G20 agenda. Further promoting IMF reform is essential for delivering on this objective.

We attach special importance to matters related to energy and climate change. Russia is a reliable energy supplier to global markets, and to many countries and regions of the world.

Moving forward, Russia remains committed to proactively contributing to the harmonisation of the global energy market and reducing price volatility by working together with other countries that produce and consume fuel, in order to ensure global energy security.

Russia has been doing a lot to reduce the anthropogenic impact on the environment, and stands ready to continue this important work. The reasons behind climate change have not been thoroughly researched, nor are we fully aware of the mechanisms of ongoing climate change. That said, Russia views the Paris Agreement signed in April 2016 as an international legal foundation for long-term joint work on climate-related regulations.

We support the efforts and specific assistance by the G20 to African countries. It is important to carry on efforts aimed at promoting industrial and transport infrastructure development on the continent, and expanding access to education.

To conclude, I would like to thank our colleague, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, and note the effectiveness of China’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2017.

Or course, we will work closely on holding the next BRICS Summit in September 2017 in Xiamen.

Thank you very much for your attention.