Friendly countries account for over 80% of Russia's trade - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Oct 23 (Interfax) - Friendly countries account for over 80% of Russia's export-import operations nowadays, including 73% of operations conducted with Asia, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large Marat Berdyyev told Interfax.

"The West has failed in its attempt to undermine our economy. Instead, it gave it fresh momentum and new incentives. We responded to the hybrid war waged against us with well-thought-out plans and pragmatic steps. We applied specific, comprehensive measures to boost our technological sovereignty, advance import substitution, and access new markets," Berdyyev said in response to a question about cooperation with G20 members under U.S. secondary sanctions.

"At present, 84% of Russia's export-import operations are linked to friendly countries, including 73% to Asia. Russia-China trade is poised to set a new record. It grew 30% in the first eight months of this year, confidently surpassing the $200 billion mark. We have become the largest energy supplier to India, are ranking among the world's top 20 food exporters, and are strengthening our position in high-tech sectors. We are also among the world's top three in artificial intelligence, and we are beginning the construction of floating nuclear power plants in Asia-Pacific countries, specifically, in Indonesia," he said.

Russia's overall trade has steadily kept at around $700 billion since 2022, Berdyyev said.