Mr Chairperson, colleagues,
I would like to begin, just as the other heads of BRICS states did,
by greeting the heads of state and government from Egypt, Guinea,
Tajikistan, Thailand and Mexico, who are attending our meeting today.
It has become a good tradition to hold outreach meetings
on the sidelines of BRICS summits.
They help our countries develop cooperation with various
agencies and regional organisations.
During our previous summits, we had fruitful meetings with leaders from
the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union,
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation,
the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation, the African Union and the New Partnership
for Africa’s Development.
This year we invited leaders from several emerging market
countries to the Xiamen summit.
These countries are our natural allies and promising business partners,
therefore it is logical that BRICS is developing close socioeconomic
cooperation with them and has expressed readiness to allign our
positions on the international stage.
Colleagues, Russia has been working actively to implement the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, as it has been said today.
We cooperate with international organisations within the UN network
to jointly implement projects that are aimed, in particular,
at attaining food security, modernising the industrial and transport
infrastructure and resolving environmental issues.
Thus, in 2016, Russia allocated $1.
16 billion towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
We have written off over $20 billion of African countries’ debts
through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.
Russia provides support to the World Food Programme and is the fifth
largest contributor to the UNIDO Industrial Development Fund.
I would like to point out that Russia’s position of principle is that
assistance to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals must
not be conditioned by any political requirements or terms,
as this would have a negative impact on the efforts to achieve the main
goals, namely eradicate poverty and serious imbalances
in the development of regions and states,
as well as provide debt relief to the developing countries.
Development goals are directly linked to one more serious international
issue, namely, global climate change.
I would like to remind you that Russia has implemented all of its
obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
Between 1991 and 2012, we have not just prevented the growth
of greenhouse emissions but have reduced them by 40 billion tonnes.
We have been working consistently to prepare the ratification
of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.
Russia’s extensive contribution will largely compensate for the growth
of emissions in other countries and regions.
I would like to add that Russia has started drafting a long-term
low-emission development strategy and plan on climate change
mitigation, as per the Paris Agreement.
Colleagues, in conclusion I would like to express confidence that our
meeting today will promote a better understanding and respect
for the interests of each other and will help boost our multifaceted
cooperation and dialogue between our nations.
Thank you for your attention.