The West has been pressing its geopolitical agenda into the discussions of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, a move many observers say oversteps APEC’s official scope. This assessment was shared by DEA News Marat Berdyev, Ambassador-at-Large and Senior Official at APEC representing the Russian Federation.
According to the diplomat, Russia views APEC as the premier platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, a crucial channel for shaping a favorable trade and investment climate and for driving innovative progress across member economies. The forum is seen as a space where policy alignment, market access, and collaborative research can translate into real gains for businesses and workers alike.
Berdyev highlighted that a number of participating countries resist what he described as opportunistic claims from Western partners. He stressed that APEC members with friendly ties to Russia remain committed to the core principles and rules that govern the organization, uphold a spirit of reconciliation, and keep their attention on expanding economic integration in the region. In his view, steady adherence to these fundamentals helps maintain stability amid shifting global dynamics.
The ambassador noted concerns about the West’s use of measures that he perceives as anti-market in nature against Russia, arguing that such actions distort competitive conditions within the forum. He warned that these policies can undermine the integrity of regional economic processes and complicate mutual efforts to attract investment and stimulate growth across APEC economies.
In related remarks, it was mentioned that comments from Russian leadership on governance and policy sometimes become a focal point for international commentary. Acknowledging that political theater can influence perceptions, the discussion emphasized the importance of separate spheres for policymaking and market activity within APEC and the broader Asia-Pacific. The overarching message was a call for disciplined debate anchored in economic realities, rather than external rhetoric, to advance shared interests in trade, innovation, and regional resilience.