00:06As the war continues to cast a shadow over Russia's security landscape,
00:11the attack also comes at a sensitive moment for the Kremlin.
00:15St. Petersburg is currently hosting the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, or SPIF,
00:20Russia's flagship investment summit and a key platform for Moscow
00:25to show it remains open for business despite Western sanctions.
00:29And joining us now from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
00:33is our Business Lead Editor, Najib Aruf.
00:37Thank you, studio.
00:38SPIF 2026 comes at a time when the world is becoming increasingly divided
00:44with power centers shifting and geopolitical tensions rising.
00:48And also at the same time, a drone attack that happened this morning at oil terminal in St. Petersburg
00:53is also sending clearer message in regards to the war between Ukraine and also Russia.
00:59And yet, despite sanctions, despite war, despite growing global competition,
01:04Russia is using SPIF 2026 especially to send clearer message to the world
01:09that it remains an important global player in the global economic arena.
01:14And this year's forum brings together a lot of countries,
01:17both the leaders, business leaders, and also investors from across the world,
01:22highlighting Russia's ability to maintain international partnerships.
01:26And a key highlight is the participation of Saudi Arabia at the back there,
01:30the pavilion, as the main country partner for SPIF 2026.
01:34and also Saudi Arabia's presence is significant enough
01:37because it reflects the growing importance of non-Western economic alliances
01:43and cooperation among emerging powers.
01:45At the same time, both Russia and Saudi Arabia have worked closely in terms of energy policy,
01:52particularly through OPEC+, helping to shape global oil markets
01:56during periods of uncertainty.
01:59And beyond energy, the partnership also showcases opportunities
02:03in investment, technology, infrastructure, logistics, and etc.
02:08And at the same time, the strong Saudi participation,
02:11increasingly pursuing pragmatic economic relationships with Russia
02:15regardless of wider geopolitical rivalries.
02:19And for Russia, SPIF 2026 is more than just an economic forum.
02:23It is a platform to showcase resilience
02:26at the same time attract investments
02:29and strengthen ties with partners across Asia
02:32and also GCC countries, Africa and Latin America.
02:36And of course, in an era marked by a more fragmented global order,
02:41SPIF 2026, it seems and also highlights
02:45Russia's continued influence and its efforts
02:48to position itself as a key hub for international economic cooperation.
02:52And, of course, as the balance of power continues to evolve,
02:57SPIF 2026 serves as a reminder that economic diplomacy remains a powerful tool
03:03and Russia is determined to stay at the center of that particular conversation.
03:08More report will be out on our social media and also our website
03:12and also our international and power friends.
03:16More report will be out on our social media.
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