Russia urges G20 to reject use of economy as political weapon

Russia has urged G20 members to reject the use of the global economy as a political weapon, calling for the forum to remain focused on economic cooperation and consensus.

According to Russian media, Marat Berdyev, Russia's G20 sous-sherpa and ambassador-at-large at the Foreign Ministry, said he held a series of video consultations with G20 counterparts from what Moscow describes as the "Global Majority".

"The forum should work on the basis of full participation, dialogue and consensus," Berdyev said in a post on Telegram, adding that the G20 should adhere to its economic mandate and promote collective responses to global challenges.

He said participants shared the view that "the economy must not be used as a weapon, a tool of neo-colonialism or for settling political scores."

According to Berdyev, Russia also advocated an open global economic system and a stronger role for the Global South in international economic governance.

He added that participants reaffirmed their support for multilateral trade rules, non-discrimination and fair competition.