MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. Russia is ready to assist developing countries in strengthening their national potential and ensuring economic sovereignty, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said at a high·level event at the UN headquarters in New York, dedicated to the fifth anniversary of China’s launch of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Foreign Ministry said.

Pankin pointed to the current global fundamental transformations, under which a more just and balanced system of international relations is taking shape and the role of the states of the Global Majority is increasing. He confirmed Russia’s "readiness to assist developing countries in strengthening their national capacity and ensuring economic sovereignty" and assured that "the Russian side will continue to engage constructively with the states of the Global South and East, the UN, and other interested partners on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and consideration of national priorities."

The event was attended by representatives of the UN member states, the secretariat of the world organization, and other international bodies. The focus was on the results of the GIR’s activities and its contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.