I welcome you to the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

By tradition, it will bring together leading politicians, business representatives, scholars and public figures to discuss current issues of Russian and global politics and economy.

The theme of this year’s meeting – Pragmatic Dialogue – The Path to a Stable Future – reflects the fundamental needs of the present stage of development. Today, as international relations and economic ties face unprecedented challenges, fragmentation, and the disruption of logistics and technology chains, pragmatism and equal dialogue are especially relevant and in demand.

I would like to emphasise that Russia has been and remains an integral part of the global economic system. We are open to constructive engagement with all partners who share the principles of mutual respect and are ready to build honest, long-term relations.

Together with our colleagues, we continue active work in multilateral associations – the #UN and its structures, the #EAEU, the #CIS, #BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, whose chairmanship passed to Russia in 2026.

I am confident that your traditionally substantive and results-oriented discussions will help develop new and effective solutions in all areas of economic and social life, including energy, digitalisation, food security and human capital development, as well as the strengthening of financial and trade sovereignty.

Overall, they will serve the interests of our states and peoples and contribute to international cooperation, security and stability.