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Russia is prioritizing its engagement with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Group of Twenty (G20) over the Group of Seven (G7), which it considers an outdated platform. Oleg Stepanov, Russia’s ambassador to Canada, emphasized Moscow's commitment to multilateral cooperation through what it views as more relevant organizations in the current geopolitical context.
Stepanov was unequivocal in dismissing the idea of Russia rejoining the G7, stating that the group no longer plays a meaningful role in international affairs. "Russia has no desire to refer to past experiences. What is currently referred to as the G7 is an outdated platform. It is naive to think that it holds any sway in the new international realities," he said.
The ambassador highlighted Russia's decision to work with global institutions that it believes offer a more balanced and inclusive approach to governance. He noted, "Within the framework of multilateral cooperation, Russia has made a clear choice in favor of genuine mechanisms for global governance."
Recalling the events of 2014, Stepanov explained that Russia was preparing for a G8 summit in Sochi when Western countries, along with Japan, withdrew from the association following Crimea's reunification with Russia. According to Stepanov, the group effectively ceased to exist at that point, and Russia was subsequently expelled, leading the G8 to revert to the G7.
Russia is now looking towards greater opportunities in BRICS, a group of major emerging economies, and the G20, which includes both developed and developing countries. This move reflects Russia's strategic shift to foster relationships within organizations it deems more aligned with its interests and the current global power dynamics.
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