The international scientific and expert forum Primakov Readings is set to open on Monday in Moscow, with participation from over 50 foreign guests representing 26 countries. The theme for this year's forum is "Post-Globalization Horizons."
Traditionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will serve as the special guest for the Primakov Readings, scheduled to open on Monday in Moscow. Lavrov is expected to address participants and respond to their questions. Last year, the minister extensively discussed topics such as the BRICS expansion, the conflict in Ukraine, and the establishment of a new system of global relations independent of Western dictates. This year, the minister, along with forum participants, will focus on factors influencing the post-global world, according to Fyodor Voytolovsky, Director of the Primakov Institute for International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Discussions are planned on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating tensions between China and the US, energy risks, and security challenges like climate and migration crises.
Notably, Alexei Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, will be the second special guest for the first time.
The event is scheduled to take place on November 27-28 at the World Trade Center in Moscow.
Developments in Gaza
The first day of the forum will feature several sessions addressing key topics in modern international politics. Among them, a significant session will focus on the renewed tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the threats posed to the entire region. Participants will give particular attention to measures aimed at initiating the process of resolving the Palestinian issue promptly. Russia has consistently advocated for a solution based on internationally recognized principles, endorsed within the framework of the UN and the Arab Peace Initiative. This initiative envisions the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. During a recent meeting with foreign ministers from select Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, Sergey Lavrov urged immediate preparations to restart the negotiation process for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Vitaly Naumkin, moderator of the session and scientific director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted, at a press conference with TASS on the eve of the forum, that the fate of the Gaza Strip is actively discussed worldwide. He noted that five scenarios are being considered, including the reoccupation of Gaza, Gaza under Israeli military control, transfer of Gaza under Egyptian control, transfer of Gaza under the control of the Palestinian National Authority, and the transfer of Gaza under international governance with the participation of Arab states. These scenarios, along with potentially others, will be discussed by Russian and foreign experts at the forum.
Current hot topics
Participants in the Primakov Readings will assess the global energy market situation, addressing current challenges such as the surge in gas prices in Europe amid sanctions against Russia and the imposition of a price ceiling for Russian oil supplies. The forum will also examine the effectiveness of transitioning to settlements in national currencies for energy resources.
The rivalry between the United States and China and the repercussions of this confrontation on the global economy and politics will be a crucial point of discussion.
The second day of the forum will include a Russia-Africa session for the first time at the Primakov Readings. Discussions will focus on specific mechanisms for the development of Russian-African relations. Representatives from across the African continent and major economies, including South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, have been invited.
Politicians and experts will also delve into security challenges and explore new development models for Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and existing risks for the Greater Baltic region. The final session will center on discussions about the "rise of the global South" and its potential to act as a united front in defending its interests.
About the readings
The Primakov Readings, a significant international forum, is convening for the ninth time. The forum is organized by the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, TASS serves as the general information partner for the conference.
The inaugural Primakov Readings, held in memory of the renowned Soviet and Russian statesman and scholar Yevgeny Primakov, took place on October 29, 2015, on what would have been his birthday. Yevgeny Primakov served as the Russian Foreign Minister from 1996 to 1998 and later as the head of the Russian government from 1998 to 1999.
Recognized as one of the most authoritative and representative international platforms, the forum attracts notable politicians, diplomats, scientists, and journalists from around the world. In 2017, the forum hosted a special session with the participation of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: IMEMO RAS
Based on materials from TASS