Fourth Eastern Economic Forum – A new day, a new dawn

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Europe

‍Every postcard from Vladivostok shows at least one of the city's two recently built bridges. Signs of revival and development in the city in the Russian Far East region are everywhere.

One bridge connects the mainland with the Russkiy Island, on the southern tip of Vladivostok. The island is home to the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), a world-class educational institution that attracts thousands of students from all around the world every year.

This month, FEFU hosted not only professors, students and researchers, but also thousands of businessmen, politicians and leaders from 60 countries who gathered to discuss collaboration at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

It was fourth such meeting and the largest so far.

What were the achievements?

The attendance of the presidents of Russia, China and Mongolia, together with the prime ministers of South Korea and Japan is an achievement in its own right.

The tone the leaders struck in their speeches was one that today's world does not witness too often.

At the plenary session, which garnered the most attention from media, all five leaders addressed participants, speaking of peace, collaboration, prosperity for all, resolving tensions from the past, and building bridges for the future.

The session was opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who emphasized Russia's determination in developing its Far East region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Sept. 11, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Although industrial production in the region grew by 22 percent between 2013 and 2017, it was still not enough to fully catch up with the Western parts of Russia, Putin said, stressing the need for new roads, railways, and airports. Better hospitals, schools and universities should attract Russians to seek a better life there.

Putin invited those interested to participate in the historical development push, which will benefit all.

The next speaker, Chinese President Xi Jinping, openly and strongly supported Russia's desire to develop.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during a session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Sept. 11, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

President Xi said China would like to send its goods to Europe faster and cheaper than today, and increasing speeds and capacities of the Russian East-West railways is a key element to achieve that goal.

As President Xi stated, China is ready to stand behind Russia and support its development of the Far East.

Arriving at the forum for the first time along with a more than 1,000-strong delegation was a message from President Xi that he is serious about his words of support.

He also called for the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and countries along the Belt and Road to work more closely together.

Among the most interesting keynote speakers at the plenary session was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. While President Putin and President Xi focused on economy, Abe's speech was mostly focused on regional political issues.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a speech during a session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia on Sept. 11, 2018. /Reuters Photo

He invited Russia to finally sign a post-World War II peace treaty, and called for the denuclearization of the entire Korean Peninsula. He also said he wanted to meet the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un.

All in all, one clear message from all the leaders is that if we all want to move forward, we must build bridges instead of walls.