Russia's Eastern Economic Forum: Putin highlights roles of China and India in global affairs

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The latest Eastern Economic Forum in Russia is wrapping up today, in the Far East city of Vladivostok. This year, the Russian, Indian and Japanese leaders, as well as a senior Chinese official are representing their countries. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic tells us what's topped their agenda.

Though dark clouds loomed above Vladivostok, the atmosphere at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum has been far from somber.

Some of the hottest topics at the event's most important day were the Asian continent's rapid development and the fight against a global economic slowdown.

ALJOSA MILENKOVIC VLADIVOSTOK "The plenary session has always been the highlight of the forum. Among this year's speakers were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Their keynote speeches were the main focus of those present here in Vladivostok, as well as many around the world."

And it was President Putin who took center stage. He discussed the development of Russia's Far East region, as well as the need to reshape the G7 group of nations.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Today, I think everyone understands. Even President Macron has publicly said that Western leadership is coming to an end. I cannot imagine an effective international organization that works without India or China."

Indian Prime Minister Modi -- who was sitting right next to Putin – definitely had no objections.

The Japanese prime minister, on the other hand, had something significant to raise – the signing of a peace treaty to resolve the Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan.

SHINZO ABE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER "Let us sign a peace treaty and set free the unlimited potential that the people of our two countries hold. Virtually, in an instant, the connection between Japan and Russia will change the region. It will begin to change the world significantly."

Before the plenary session, Putin met with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, who's leading a large delegation of entrepreneurs from China at this year's forum.

HU CHUNHUA CHINESE VICE PREMIER "China and Russia are good partners and sincere friends. President Xi Jinping is personally paying a lot of attention to the development of relations with Russia as well as the Eastern Economic Forum."

The fifth Eastern Economic Forum wraps up in Russia on Friday. Aljosa Milenkovic, CGTN, Vladivostok.