Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite facing extensive Western sanctions, made significant diplomatic strides this year with a series of international engagements.
Throughout the year, Putin undertook 11 international trips, primarily in Asia and neighboring regions, as reported by TASS state news agency. Notably, he managed to conduct over 220 events with 54 world leaders, circumventing the limitations imposed by a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In March, following his presidential election victory, Putin commenced his international engagements, initially meeting dignitaries at home. A standout moment came in May when he visited Beijing, where he was warmly received by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This meeting underscored the strategic ties between Russia and China, particularly in the wake of Western sanctions. Trade relations between both countries reached new heights, with a record $240 billion in 2023, showing a 26% increase from the previous year.
A significant trip took place in June when Putin visited North Korea. During his visit, he was honored with a grand ceremony by Kim Jong Un, which included gifts such as horses and hunting dogs. This visit marked his first to the isolated nation since 2000 and highlighted the unique diplomatic rapport between the two leaders.
Putin’s visit to Vietnam also drew international attention, as it was met with sharp criticism from the United States. The visit featured cultural performances and gifts embodying the shared history and evolving relationship between Vietnam and Russia.
Furthermore, Putin engaged with leaders from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, focusing on enhancing regional ties. The Mongolian visit was particularly notable due to Mongolia’s ICC membership and the expectation of enforcing the arrest warrant. However, strategic energy dependencies led Mongolia to prioritize diplomatic relations with Russia, resulting in a welcome for the Russian president.
In economic forums, such as the BRICS summit, Putin fostered discussions with emerging economy leaders including India’s Narendra Modi, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and China’s Xi Jinping. These interactions were crucial in solidifying Russia’s economic alliances outside of Western influence.
In 2023, Putin navigated a complex geopolitical landscape, leveraging diplomatic engagements to offset sanctions and bolster international relations amidst global scrutiny.
Source: Businessinsider
