Lavrov held talks with the head of the WTO (World Trade Organization)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala recently met during the XVII BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, reiterating the need for reform of the WTO based on principles of inclusivity, non-discrimination, transparency, and mutual respect.
The meeting, which took place after Lavrov's arrival for the BRICS summit, aligns with broader international consensus, including statements from BRICS nations, which have advocated for a rules-based, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
The urgent need for reform is aimed at addressing challenges posed by rising unilateral trade restrictions and protectionism, which threaten to disrupt global trade, supply chains, and economic development. The reform aims to safeguard the WTO’s role as the sole international organization capable of negotiating new trade rules to tackle these complex issues.
The meeting between Lavrov and Okonjo-Iweala does not indicate any specific actions or commitments from either party towards Afghanistan or any other specific issues. However, the discussion reflects a shared commitment to urgent WTO reform based on these core principles, supporting the organization's ability to lead future international trade discussions effectively and inclusively.
This momentum is part of a wider effort seen in various global forums, including the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conferences, to revive multilateralism and strengthen the WTO-led order. The meeting between Lavrov and Okonjo-Iweala is significant as it highlights Russia's continued engagement with international organizations, including the WTO.
The statement made by Lavrov on July 7 suggests a potential tension or disagreement between Russia and the West at the UN, but the article does not provide any information about any actions or commitments from Russia or the West following Lavrov's statement. Furthermore, the context of the meeting remains unclear, as no further information about the agenda or outcomes was provided.
The article does not mention any response from the West to Lavrov's statement, nor does it provide any specific details about the ultimatums referred to by Lavrov. The article also does not indicate any direct connection between Lavrov's statement and the BRICS summit. Lastly, the article does not provide any information about the impact of Lavrov's statement on international relations.
The meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala underscores their shared focus on the urgent need for WTO reform, aligning with the broader international consensus that advocates for a rules-based, open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system.
The discussion between Lavrov and Okonjo-Iweala underscores the importance of WTO reform within the broader context of global politics, particularly in light of challenges posed by rising unilateral trade restrictions and protectionism that threaten to disrupt global trade and economic development.
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