🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud following talks in Moscow (July 4, 2025)

💬 I have just held talks with my colleague and friend, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

We focused on the development outlook for friendly Russian-Saudi relations and expressed support for continuing our collaboration in all spheres to further strengthen them. We noted the positive dynamics of our political dialogue, primarily at the highest level, but also at the level of our Foreign Ministries. We welcomed our mutual intention to stimulate our interparliamentary contacts, which are actively developing.

We agree on the need to intensify delegation exchanges for implementing the agreements reached during the working visit of President Vladimir Putin to Saudi Arabia in December 2023 and his subsequent contacts with Prime Minister Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

📈 We discussed our trade and economic ties, acknowledging the positive trend in the development of mutual trade in the past few years, as well as in the first few months of this year. The Joint Intergovernmental Russian-Saudi Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is of key importance for identifying new possibilities for making full use of our two countries’ potential. <...>

Our countries are committed to continuing their close cooperation in the OPEC+ format. Just like our Saudi friends, we believe that this unique mechanism of the leading oil exporting countries is extremely important for balancing supply and demand on the global energy market. <...>

We discussed international and regional matters focusing on the #MiddleEast, and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran expressing hope that it would be a durable solution and open the door to resuming talks.

Both Sides believe it is imperative to refrain from taking any actions that could spark renewed hostilities. Any and all arising differences of opinion should be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means in full adherence to the #UNCharter and with the strong involvement of the countries that have leverage over the parties’ positions. Sure enough, Saudi Arabia and Russia are among them. <...>

Our positions on the Middle East settlement, the Palestinian issue, particularly the situation in #Gaza, overlap as well. We consider it mandatory to take urgent measures to de-escalate the situation and to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip. The situation is not any better on the West Bank of the Jordan River. We advocate for the earliest possible resumption of talks between Palestinians and Israelis on the final status of Palestinian territories and for the implementation of the widely known UN resolutions on creating Palestinian state.

We support bringing a comprehensive relief to the long-standing crisis in #Syria based on maintaining its unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

Russia counts on Saudi Arabia to be properly represented at the first-ever Russia-Arab League summit in Moscow in October 2025. The date has been determined.

🤝 I thanked our Saudi friends for their balanced position on Ukraine affairs and their genuine desire to contribute to peaceful settlement, including by providing a platform for #RussiaUS contacts. Our Saudi friends are aware that achieving political and diplomatic settlement is impossible without addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, as President Putin reiterated in yesterday’s telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

❗️ An outcome that does not fully take into account Russia’s legitimate security interests and does not guarantee non-recurrence of violations of rights of the Russian and Russian-speaking population does not align with our expectations.

As always, the talks were held in atmosphere of mutual trust. I am satisfied with the outcomes.

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#RussiaSaudiArabia

🇻🇪 On July 5, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela celebrates its #IndependenceDay. On this day in 1811, the deputies of the National Congress of Venezuela adopted the Declaration of Independence from the Spanish Crown.

Today, Russian-Venezuelan relations are demonstrating steady and dynamic development in the spirit of strategic partnership. Our two countries are consistently deepening political dialogue at various levels, expanding trade, investment, and scientific-technical cooperation, and enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Regular contacts are maintained between the Foreign Ministries of both our nations.

The High-Level Russian-Venezuelan Intergovernmental Commission continues to serve as a key mechanism for advancing bilateral cooperation. Productive interagency interaction is underway, and interparliamentary ties are evolving in a constructive and forward-looking manner.

🤝 Moscow and Caracas maintain effective cooperation across a wide range of areas, including energy, healthcare, agriculture, and high technology. The two countries are jointly developing financial and logistical mechanisms resilient to external pressure, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the well-being of our peoples.

Russia and Venezuela share common positions on pressing global and regional issues, including the promotion of a more equitable and multipolar world order, the unwavering observance by all states of the norms of international law, and the rejection of unilateral coercive measures.

We highly value our cooperation on the international stage, particularly within the United Nations, where partnership continues to strengthen through the Venezuelan-led initiative to establish the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. #UNCharterIsOurRules

On May 14, a solemn inauguration ceremony was held in Caracas for the monument “80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War over Nazism and Fascism” — the first of its kind in Latin America, erected in tribute to the immortal heroism of the Soviet people.

💬 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his talks with President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro (March 14, 2025):

"Russian-Venezuelan ties have a long and rich history, with many bright pages. <...> Today, our relations have reached the level of strategic partnership. <...> For its part, Russia is doing and will continue to do everything possible to make our joint efforts in the trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian spheres even closer and more comprehensive.

Russia and Venezuela have similar positions on many issues on the international agenda. Together, we strive to build a more just world order, promote the principles of sovereign equality of states, and mutually beneficial cooperation without external interference in internal affairs.

No doubt, the further advancement of Russian-Venezuelan strategic partnership in all spheres complies with the interests of the harmonious development of our two nations."

🎉 We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Venezuelan friends and colleagues on the occasion of their national holiday.

We wish the people of Venezuela peace, prosperity and well-being.

#RussiaVenezuela

🛬 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Rio de Janeiro to participate in the XVII #BRICS Summit

📷 © Brasil's Chairship in BRICS / Ministério das Relações Exteriores

📸 #PhotoOfTheDay

President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greets Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ahead of the start of the XVII #BRICS Summit

📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 6

#BRICS2025

📸 #FamilyPhoto

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov takes part in the official family photo ceremony together with heads of delegations of the #BRICS nations.

📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 6

#BRICS2025

🇷🇺🇮🇷 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit

📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 6

#RussiaIran

🇷🇺🇮🇳 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr.Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit

📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 6

#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti

🎙 Remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the main Plenary Session of the XVII BRICS Summit (July 6, 2025)

💬 President Putin: Colleagues, friends.

First of all, I would like to join the words of gratitude to President Lula da Silva and the Brazilian Chairmanship for their active efforts in advancing the strategic partnership within #BRICS.

It is important that the BRICS countries continue to deepen their cooperation across key sectors in politics, security, the economy and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts.

This group has significantly grown and now includes leading states in Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Together, we possess a vast political, economic, scientific, technological, and human potential.

📈 The BRICS countries account for not only a third of the Earth’s landmass and almost half the planet’s population, but also for 40 percent of the global economy, while their combined GDP at purchasing power parity stands at $77 trillion. This is the 2025 data according to the IMF. By the way, BRICS is substantially ahead of other groups in this parameter, including G7 with $57 trillion.

Year after year, our group’s global authority and influence continue growing. BRICS has rightfully established itself as one of the key centres of global governance, with our collective voice in support of the global majority’s vital interests resonating ever more powerfully across the international stage.

BRICS has many supporters in the Global South and East. The culture of an open partnership and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests in the group appeals to them. Based on this knowledge, during the summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, we decided to establish a category of BRICS partner states, to develop ad hoc practical cooperation with all interested countries. BRICS has ten partner states to date.

🌐 I will stress that the BRICS countries represent different development models, religions, authentic civilisations and cultures, while unanimously upholding equality and neighbourliness. They prioritise traditional values, the high ideals of friendship and accord, striving to contribute to global stability and security, the prosperity and success of all nations. Without doubt, this constructive approach and unifying agenda are highly relevant amidst the geopolitical challenges of today.

We all see that the world is experiencing tectonic shifts. The unipolar system of international relations that once served the interests of the so-called golden billion, is losing its relevance, replaced by a more just multi-polar world. Global economic patterns are changing faster. Everything indicates that the liberal globalisation model is becoming obsolete while the centre of business activity is gravitating towards developing markets, launching a powerful growth wave, including in the BRICS countries. To maximise the emerging prospects, it is important to intensify cooperation within the group, primarily in technology, effective resource development, logistics, insurance, trade and finance.

It is important to continue expanding the use of national currencies in mutual payments. It is believed that creating an independent payment and monetary system within BRICS will expedite currency transactions while also ensuring their effectiveness and security. Furthermore, using national currencies in trade within BRICS is steadily growing. In 2024, the share of Russia’s national currency, the ruble, and the currencies of our friendly states in transactions with Russia and other BRICS countries reached 90 percent.

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📄 XVII BRICS Summit Rio de Janeiro Declaration "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and
Sustainable Governance"

Full text of the Declaration

Excerpts from the Declaration:

• We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

• We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and upholding the international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), in their entirety and interconnectedness as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in the international system.

🇺🇳 We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council.

🌐 We acknowledge that multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs to develop their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalization and cooperation.

• We condemn the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law, and reiterate that such measures, inter alia in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative implications for the human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security, of the general population of targeted states, disproportionally affecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations, deepening the digital divide and exacerbating environmental challenges. We call for the elimination of such unlawful measures, which undermine international law and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

• We reaffirm that BRICS member states do not impose or support non-UN Security Council authorized sanctions that are contrary to international law.

• We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East.

• We recall that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We underline, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.

• We reiterate that the principle 🌍 “African solutions to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution on the African continent.

❗️ We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against bridges and railways infrastructure deliberately targeting civilians in Bryansk, Kursk and Voronezh regions of the Russian Federation on 31 May, 1 and 5 June 2025, resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including children.

• We commend 🇧🇷 Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and express our gratitude to the government and people of Brazil for holding the XVII BRICS Summit in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

• We extend full support to 🇮🇳 India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India.

🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence» (Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025)

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Key talking points:

• Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for #BRICS and for the entire international community.

• Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic.

• Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics.

• BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population.

• The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies.

• It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable.

• The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals.

• To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative.

• Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030.

• We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences.

• The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response.

• I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.