HE Vladimir Putin, President of Russia took part in the plenary session of the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum. This year’s theme is ‘Shared Values: The Foundations of Growth in a Multipolar World.’

HE Putin was joined by a host of dignitaries on the dias for a discussion. The dignitaries included HE Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia; HH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs; HE Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; and HE Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. The discussion was moderated by Nadim Koteich, General Manager and presenter at Sky News Arabia.

HE Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

In his opening speech HE Putin said, “This year, among the important topics referred to by our colleagues as key discussion tracks is the quality of growth in the context of a multipolar world and major global challenges. These include profound shifts in the global economy and demographics, such as the planet’s population dynamics, as well as social, public, and geopolitical tensions that manifest through crises and rapidly escalating regional conflicts, unfortunately visible today in the Middle East.”

“Finally, these include climate change and urgent environmental issues that demand our attention and response. And, of course, the transition to a new technological era driven by digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems capable of making decisions independently of human input is also a central focus,” he added.

HE Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia

HE Subianto reiterated Indonesia’s stance of being a non-aligned nation and shared the gains made by the country in food production – an important step towards food self-sufficiency and a major step towards becoming a net food exporter in future.

HH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs

In his address, HH Shaikh Al Khalifa, highlighted Bahrain’s approach to economic development as a model shaped by long term national planning, strong leadership, and international cooperation. His Highness stated that Bahrain’s current economic performance is the result of a comprehensive development process guided by the strategic vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This framework has enabled the Kingdom to maintain steady economic growth, implement structural reforms, and increase its competitiveness in regional and global markets.

HE Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

HE Xuexiang called for championing humanity’s common values and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. He highlighted that China is willing to work with Russia to elevate the China-Russia relationship to greater heights, broaden its dimensions, strengthen its resilience, and expand high-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation for their respective people. HE Xuexiang also urged the two countries to strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and to make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable and prosperous multipolar world.

HE Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa

HE Mashatile highlighted energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and digital technologies. He emphasised that these areas are vital for South Africa’s development and align closely with the priorities of the BRICS agenda.

The speeches were followed by a panel discussion in which the dignitaries shared their thoughts on a range of political, economic and geostrategic issues.

The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has been held annually since 1997, and since 2006, has taken place under the patronage and with the participation of the President of Russia. Organised by the Roscongress Foundation from June 18–21, 2025, this year’s Forum brought together over 24,000 guests from over 144 countries.