Matvienko: Western sanctions policy may lead to unpredictable trade wars

The sanctions policy of the West can lead to unpredictable trade wars – as stated by Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia Valentina Matvienko at the plenary session – The Role of Parliaments in Countering the Fragmentation of the Multilateral Trading System and Overcoming Threats Related to the Consequences of Global Crises – as part of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum

According to her, Western sanctions provoke contradictions between countries, exacerbating the risks of disintegration of global trade. Traditional dialogue is giving way to numerous group initiatives, often in closed clubs of like-minded people, which carries risks of erosion of international trade rules.

“We’re convinced that illegitimate, politically motivated sanctions have a negative impact on global supply chains, investment, financial, trade and logistics ties, and collective efforts to ensure sustainable development. The expansion of such barriers is a violation of the sovereignty of states and interference in their affairs. The role of national parliaments is important in this regard,” Valentina Matvienko said.

The parliamentary delegation of Belarus headed by Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova is taking part in the events of the BRICS Forum and the meeting of the IPA CIS Council. The parliamentary delegation includes its head, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova, Chairman of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the Standing Commission on Legislation and State Building of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Rusy, and Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives Sergei Rachkov.

On the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, discussions are held in an expanded format on the role of parliaments in countering the fragmentation of the multilateral trading system and overcoming threats associated with the consequences of global crises, and on inter-parliamentary co-operation in the humanitarian and cultural spheres.

During the forum, a protocol to the memorandum of understanding is to be signed, as well as a joint declaration is to adopted based on the results. There will also be a meeting of the Council of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (IPA) and a number of bilateral meetings.