Latest updates, insights, and analysis.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers Summit has just concluded in Kyrgyzstan. Russia’s Foreign Minister also had specific meetings with China, Iran, and Pakistan. We discuss the key developments including the potential establishment of an SCO Development Bank.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has held three days of meetings in Manila with all the ASEAN countries, in addition to meetings with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Brazil and the United States. These took place under the Russia-ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. We provide detailed analysis of each of these discussions as well as examine the geopolitical and trade dynamics.
Russia’s bilateral trade with Kazakhstan has increased by 15% in the first five months of this year. Russia accounts for 8.8% of Kazakhstan’s exports and 31.6% of its imports.
The Azerbaijan Foreign Minister has been in Moscow to reset diplomatic relations. Azerbaijan is emerging as an important south Caucasian transport and logistics hub linking the Middle East to Europe and looks set to capitalise on this role.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has been meeting with the collective Foreign Ministers of ASEAN in Manila, as part of the Russia-ASEAN Foreign Ministers annual summit. Lavrov stated he saw “Very good prospects in food and energy security, the digital transformation, and the platform economy.” We provide the latest trade data.
The first shipment of oil from Russia’s Far Eastern Kosmino Port has arrived in Indonesia. The country is prioritizing its internal energy security above sourcing and sanctions issues.
We deep-dive the Russia-North Korea economic partnership and its developments following Madame Choe Son Hui’s visit to Moscow. Bilateral trade and economic integration are rapidly advancing with bilateral trade possibly already close to US$60 billion and significant infrastructure development taking place. We examine the underlying reasons for this unprecedented boom.
The Russia-China auto JV producing Tenet vehicles has just started production in St.Petersburg. The plant has been refitted after US auto maker General Motors pulled out of the Russian market incurring significant losses.
Russia’s online cinema screening service Wink has just entered the Tajik market, with locals able to access over 35,000 movies, TV series and cartoons via subscription.
Russia has extended the visa-free programme for Chinese national until 31st December 2027. 834,460 Chinese tourists visited Russia last year with initial indications of a 138% increase of those numbers during 2026 to date.
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, have met with the North Korean Foreign Minister, Madame Choe Son Hui in Moscow. We discuss what was said as both countries engage in mutual defence and trade.
The Hong Kong shipping line Sealegend is to launch the first regular summer shipping service from China to Europe, transiting Russia’s Northern Sea Route. It is the first time a scheduled service is to be operated along the NSR and cuts the journey down by 50%, saving time and money.
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