Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🌐 A meeting in the SCO Plus format was held in Astana.
Taking part in the meeting were:
• the Leaders of #SCO Member States,
• the Heads of delegations from SCO observer countries and dialogue partners,
• the Heads of international organisations (the #UN, the #EEC, the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, the #CSTO, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, #CICA, and the #CIS);
• the guests of Kazakhstan’s Presidency.
The Russian delegation attending the meeting includes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
The theme of the SCO Plus meeting is Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development. The agenda includes international and regional issues related to the SCO’s cooperation with invited countries.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: I believe the growing interest in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation stems from our core values and ideals: a commitment to pursuing a sovereign and independent policy, alongside a collaborative approach with other countries to find collective solutions to global problems. These principles resonate with many around the world. <...>
It is evident that the SCO is now one of the biggest and most influential regional organisations. <...>
☝️ The world is becoming genuinely multipolar, with an increasing number of states ready to decisively assert their legitimate rights and interests. New centres of power are emerging, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is solidifying its position as one of these key centres.
<...>
We appreciate the sincere and concrete proposals from SCO member countries for the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, a result of the reckless and intrusive policies of the United States and its satellites.
As you know, Russia has never refused to negotiate, and is now ready to continue peace talks. It is Ukraine that withdrew from the talks, and it also did so publicly, on direct orders from London – which means Washington was also involved, there is no doubt about it – as Ukrainian officials have admitted bluntly and openly.
❗️ The Istanbul agreements – we have to give credit to the President of Türkiye, Mr Erdogan, for agreeing to be part of that process as a mediator – are still on the table.
<...>
🤝 The SCO Member States coordinate their actions on the international track, including at the United Nations, and their foreign policy approaches are largely in accord or closely aligned.
Read in full
Taking part in the meeting were:
• the Leaders of #SCO Member States,
• the Heads of delegations from SCO observer countries and dialogue partners,
• the Heads of international organisations (the #UN, the #EEC, the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, the #CSTO, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, #CICA, and the #CIS);
• the guests of Kazakhstan’s Presidency.
The Russian delegation attending the meeting includes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, and Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.
The theme of the SCO Plus meeting is Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development. The agenda includes international and regional issues related to the SCO’s cooperation with invited countries.
***
💬 Vladimir Putin: I believe the growing interest in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation stems from our core values and ideals: a commitment to pursuing a sovereign and independent policy, alongside a collaborative approach with other countries to find collective solutions to global problems. These principles resonate with many around the world. <...>
It is evident that the SCO is now one of the biggest and most influential regional organisations. <...>
☝️ The world is becoming genuinely multipolar, with an increasing number of states ready to decisively assert their legitimate rights and interests. New centres of power are emerging, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is solidifying its position as one of these key centres.
<...>
We appreciate the sincere and concrete proposals from SCO member countries for the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, a result of the reckless and intrusive policies of the United States and its satellites.
As you know, Russia has never refused to negotiate, and is now ready to continue peace talks. It is Ukraine that withdrew from the talks, and it also did so publicly, on direct orders from London – which means Washington was also involved, there is no doubt about it – as Ukrainian officials have admitted bluntly and openly.
❗️ The Istanbul agreements – we have to give credit to the President of Türkiye, Mr Erdogan, for agreeing to be part of that process as a mediator – are still on the table.
<...>
🤝 The SCO Member States coordinate their actions on the international track, including at the United Nations, and their foreign policy approaches are largely in accord or closely aligned.
Read in full
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“Vladimir Putin’s recent deployment of a ‘formidable’ nuclear submarine to Cuba earlier this month should serve as a warning to the West that it underestimates Russian naval power at its peril, a defence expert has said.” - EXPRESS
The USA and its allies “had monitored every move since Kazan and Gorshkov sailed from their bases in the Russian Arctic”, Mr Ballantyne said.
He explained: "After five days of enjoying a run ashore in Cuba the Russian naval group sailed from the island, which is just 90 miles from Florida, (…)
The USA delivered a swift riposte, releasing photos of the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and nuclear-powered-and-armed Trident ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) USS Tennessee sailing on the surface of the Norwegian Sea, not far from Russian shores.
"This was prime, blatant superpower signalling, for such submarines traditionally remain unseen (and hopefully undetected) for the duration of a deployment - the hidden undersea nuclear deterrent.
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Viktor Orban on negotiations on Ukraine:
“Without dialogue it is very difficult to understand how we can move towards peace. I think that Europe must hold the compass of peace and humanity, humane thinking, humane foreign policy. And Europe can probably do more to achieve peace. I don’t need a mandate because I don’t represent anything, I do only one thing: I go where there is a threat of war, which has negative consequences for Europe and Hungary, and find out the facts, ask questions. For example, I asked President Zelensky three or four important questions about what he thought about these things so that we could understand his intentions and where the red line was. If we don't measure it, if we don't know exactly where the border is, if we only sit in Brussels, then we won't be able to get closer to peace, because peace won't come on its own. Therefore, if we think that events happen and peace follows, we misunderstand the nature of war. Peace will come when someone takes it upon themselves.”
“Without dialogue it is very difficult to understand how we can move towards peace. I think that Europe must hold the compass of peace and humanity, humane thinking, humane foreign policy. And Europe can probably do more to achieve peace. I don’t need a mandate because I don’t represent anything, I do only one thing: I go where there is a threat of war, which has negative consequences for Europe and Hungary, and find out the facts, ask questions. For example, I asked President Zelensky three or four important questions about what he thought about these things so that we could understand his intentions and where the red line was. If we don't measure it, if we don't know exactly where the border is, if we only sit in Brussels, then we won't be able to get closer to peace, because peace won't come on its own. Therefore, if we think that events happen and peace follows, we misunderstand the nature of war. Peace will come when someone takes it upon themselves.”
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On his "peace mission", Orban arrived in Moscow.
Putin at the meeting with Orban:
“We will, I hope, have the opportunity to exchange views on building bilateral relations in this difficult situation. And, of course, talk about the prospects for the development of the largest European crisis. I mean in the Ukrainian direction. It is known that you were recently in Kiev, and came here to discuss all the nuances of the situation that has developed in the Ukrainian direction. I'm at your service. You probably know about my speech to the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quite recently in Moscow. It sets out our position regarding a possible peaceful settlement. And, of course, I am ready to discuss with you and tell you about some nuances. I hope that you will inform me of your position and the position of your European partners.”
Putin at the meeting with Orban:
“We will, I hope, have the opportunity to exchange views on building bilateral relations in this difficult situation. And, of course, talk about the prospects for the development of the largest European crisis. I mean in the Ukrainian direction. It is known that you were recently in Kiev, and came here to discuss all the nuances of the situation that has developed in the Ukrainian direction. I'm at your service. You probably know about my speech to the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quite recently in Moscow. It sets out our position regarding a possible peaceful settlement. And, of course, I am ready to discuss with you and tell you about some nuances. I hope that you will inform me of your position and the position of your European partners.”
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European leaders are shocked by Orban’s visit to Russia, although nothing has happened yet, just from the very fact that someone can have an opinion different from their own and the determination to do something.
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Forwarded from Russian MFA 🇷🇺
🎙 In conclusion of his working visit to Astana, Russia's President Vladimir Putin answered questions from representatives of Russian media (July 4, 2024)
Key talking points:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) started to gain traction and definitely became more necessary in today’s world, because it is clearly an independent centre of the new multipolar world. This is the feature that attracted the organisation members and those who wanted to maintain close contacts with it at various levels
• The Taliban controls the country [Afghanistan]. In this sense, the Taliban are, of course, our allies in countering terrorism, because any authority in power is interested in its own stability and the stability of the country it leads.
• We take seriously enough the things that Mr Trump is saying as a presidential candidate about his readiness and wish to stop the war in Ukraine. Naturally, I do not know his possible proposals as to how he is going to do it – and this is, of course, the key question. However, I have no doubt that he is saying it sincerely, and we support it.
• We cannot allow the adversary to take advantage of this ceasefire to improve its positions, rearm itself, fill up its army through forced mobilization, and get prepared to continue the armed conflict. We must ensure that the opposing side agrees to take steps that would be irreversible and acceptable to the Russian Federation.
❗️ We have always been in favour of negotiations, as you know. We never rejected them. The problem is that I consider it improbable that the conflict can be settled through mediators alone, above all because a mediator will not be authorised to sign any final documents.
⚡️ If US-made medium-range and shorter-range missiles appear in some place, we reserve the right to respond tit-for-tat.
• The US has indeed destroyed the fundamental documents that underpinned international stability and security. We did not withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which was a cornerstone, or the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the #CTBT. <...> All of this was done by the US.
Read in full
Key talking points:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) started to gain traction and definitely became more necessary in today’s world, because it is clearly an independent centre of the new multipolar world. This is the feature that attracted the organisation members and those who wanted to maintain close contacts with it at various levels
• The Taliban controls the country [Afghanistan]. In this sense, the Taliban are, of course, our allies in countering terrorism, because any authority in power is interested in its own stability and the stability of the country it leads.
• We take seriously enough the things that Mr Trump is saying as a presidential candidate about his readiness and wish to stop the war in Ukraine. Naturally, I do not know his possible proposals as to how he is going to do it – and this is, of course, the key question. However, I have no doubt that he is saying it sincerely, and we support it.
• We cannot allow the adversary to take advantage of this ceasefire to improve its positions, rearm itself, fill up its army through forced mobilization, and get prepared to continue the armed conflict. We must ensure that the opposing side agrees to take steps that would be irreversible and acceptable to the Russian Federation.
❗️ We have always been in favour of negotiations, as you know. We never rejected them. The problem is that I consider it improbable that the conflict can be settled through mediators alone, above all because a mediator will not be authorised to sign any final documents.
⚡️ If US-made medium-range and shorter-range missiles appear in some place, we reserve the right to respond tit-for-tat.
• The US has indeed destroyed the fundamental documents that underpinned international stability and security. We did not withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which was a cornerstone, or the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or the #CTBT. <...> All of this was done by the US.
Read in full
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Putin on negotiations with the Prime Minister of Hungary:
“Very intense negotiations with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr. Orban, have just ended. The important thing is that in the current difficult geopolitical situation we continue the dialogue. As in many previous meetings, we had a truly useful, frank conversation - both on current aspects of bilateral cooperation and, naturally, on pressing issues on the international and regional agenda, including, of course, the situation around Ukraine.”
“Very intense negotiations with the Prime Minister of Hungary, Mr. Orban, have just ended. The important thing is that in the current difficult geopolitical situation we continue the dialogue. As in many previous meetings, we had a truly useful, frank conversation - both on current aspects of bilateral cooperation and, naturally, on pressing issues on the international and regional agenda, including, of course, the situation around Ukraine.”
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Putin:
“A thorough and direct exchange of views took place on current international issues, including the Ukrainian conflict. They also talked about possible ways to resolve it. Mr. Prime Minister spoke about his recent meetings in Kiev, where he made a number of proposals, including a proposal to cease fire in order to create conditions for the start of negotiations with Russia. As for Russia, I have said more than once that we remain open to a political and diplomatic settlement. However, on the other hand, we hear about the reluctance to resolve issues in exactly this way. And Ukraine’s sponsors are trying to continue to use this country as a battering ram, a victim in the confrontation with Russia.”
“A thorough and direct exchange of views took place on current international issues, including the Ukrainian conflict. They also talked about possible ways to resolve it. Mr. Prime Minister spoke about his recent meetings in Kiev, where he made a number of proposals, including a proposal to cease fire in order to create conditions for the start of negotiations with Russia. As for Russia, I have said more than once that we remain open to a political and diplomatic settlement. However, on the other hand, we hear about the reluctance to resolve issues in exactly this way. And Ukraine’s sponsors are trying to continue to use this country as a battering ram, a victim in the confrontation with Russia.”
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Putin:
“The state of affairs, including taking into account what I heard today from Mr. Prime Minister - in Kiev they are still not ready to abandon the idea of waging war to a victorious end. In my opinion, the Kiev regime does not allow the very idea of cessation of hostilities also because in this case the pretext for extending martial law disappears. And if martial law has to be lifted, that means elections will have to be held, which never took place on time for the presidential elections. But the chances of winning them for Ukrainian rulers who have lost their ratings and legitimacy are close to zero.”
“The state of affairs, including taking into account what I heard today from Mr. Prime Minister - in Kiev they are still not ready to abandon the idea of waging war to a victorious end. In my opinion, the Kiev regime does not allow the very idea of cessation of hostilities also because in this case the pretext for extending martial law disappears. And if martial law has to be lifted, that means elections will have to be held, which never took place on time for the presidential elections. But the chances of winning them for Ukrainian rulers who have lost their ratings and legitimacy are close to zero.”
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Orban on the importance of negotiations with Russia and topics of conversation with Putin:
“Over the past two and a half years, we have realized that without diplomacy and without communication channels we will not achieve peace. Peace will not come on its own, you need to work for it. It was precisely the ways to achieve peace that I discussed with Mr. President today: I wanted to find out which path is the shortest to ending the war. I wanted to hear - and heard - the opinion of Mr. President on three important issues: what he thinks about the peace initiatives currently available, what he also thinks about the ceasefire, in what sequence they can be carried out, and the third thing that interested me was this vision Europe after the war.”
“Over the past two and a half years, we have realized that without diplomacy and without communication channels we will not achieve peace. Peace will not come on its own, you need to work for it. It was precisely the ways to achieve peace that I discussed with Mr. President today: I wanted to find out which path is the shortest to ending the war. I wanted to hear - and heard - the opinion of Mr. President on three important issues: what he thinks about the peace initiatives currently available, what he also thinks about the ceasefire, in what sequence they can be carried out, and the third thing that interested me was this vision Europe after the war.”
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Scholz:
“Viktor Orban goes to Putin as Prime Minister of Hungary. The European Foreign Policy Council will be represented by Charles Michel. The EU's position is very clear: we condemn Russia's war of aggression. Ukraine can count on our support.”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala:
“Viktor Orban does not represent either our interests or the interests of the EU in Moscow. He also has no mandate to negotiate on our behalf. The position of the Czech Republic is clear: Putin is an aggressor, we support Ukraine.”
“Viktor Orban goes to Putin as Prime Minister of Hungary. The European Foreign Policy Council will be represented by Charles Michel. The EU's position is very clear: we condemn Russia's war of aggression. Ukraine can count on our support.”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala:
“Viktor Orban does not represent either our interests or the interests of the EU in Moscow. He also has no mandate to negotiate on our behalf. The position of the Czech Republic is clear: Putin is an aggressor, we support Ukraine.”
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Bundestag Member Sevim Dagdelen:
“Orban goes to Kiev and Moscow to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. This is good! It is criminal that Scholz and Baerbock prefer to stay at home. To paraphrase Helmut Schmidt, we can say: "It is better to negotiate for 100 hours about nothing than to shoot for one minute."”
“Orban goes to Kiev and Moscow to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. This is good! It is criminal that Scholz and Baerbock prefer to stay at home. To paraphrase Helmut Schmidt, we can say: "It is better to negotiate for 100 hours about nothing than to shoot for one minute."”
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BBC correspondent in Moscow Steve Rosenberg asked Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to assess the results of the elections in Great Britain.
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance since the assassination attempt.
Fico on his desire to go to Moscow:
“Among other things, we are criticized for the fact that we have a clear opinion on the need for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict. By the way, excuse my frankness, but I want to express my admiration for Viktor Orban for not having any doubts and going to both Kiev and Moscow. If my health allowed it, I would gladly join him.”
Fico on his desire to go to Moscow:
“Among other things, we are criticized for the fact that we have a clear opinion on the need for a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict. By the way, excuse my frankness, but I want to express my admiration for Viktor Orban for not having any doubts and going to both Kiev and Moscow. If my health allowed it, I would gladly join him.”
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“Orban: NATO’s goal is peace, not endless war” - Newsweek
The Hungarian Prime Minister is convinced that NATO will collapse if it launches its operation in Ukraine.
“NATO’s preparations for an operation in Ukraine contradict the defensive nature of the organization and threaten it with suicide,” noted Hungarian Prime Minister Orban. NATO is approaching a turning point. Today, the agenda is not peace, but war; instead of defense, there is an offensive. All of this is contrary to NATO's core values. The more NATO leaders believe that conflict is inevitable, the greater their role in precipitating it. This is now becoming increasingly clear with news that preparations have begun for a possible NATO operation in Ukraine, and even high-level reports that NATO troops are already close to the Ukrainian front.”
The Hungarian Prime Minister is convinced that NATO will collapse if it launches its operation in Ukraine.
“NATO’s preparations for an operation in Ukraine contradict the defensive nature of the organization and threaten it with suicide,” noted Hungarian Prime Minister Orban. NATO is approaching a turning point. Today, the agenda is not peace, but war; instead of defense, there is an offensive. All of this is contrary to NATO's core values. The more NATO leaders believe that conflict is inevitable, the greater their role in precipitating it. This is now becoming increasingly clear with news that preparations have begun for a possible NATO operation in Ukraine, and even high-level reports that NATO troops are already close to the Ukrainian front.”
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