On May 17, 2021 the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) held an online round table “Russia — New Zealand Track Two Dialogue”. The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of New Zealand in the Russian Federation
The expert discussion focused on key trends of global development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on the influence of new threats and challenges on the situation in the Asia Pacific, security and prosperity of the region. Particular attention was paid to Russia’s and New Zealand’s positions on the US — China confrontation, multilateral regional mechanisms and their efficiency, and on China — India interaction.
On May 17, 2021 the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) held an online round table “Russia — New Zealand Track Two Dialogue”. The event was organized with the support of the Embassy of New Zealand in the Russian Federation.
The expert discussion focused on key trends of global development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on the influence of new threats and challenges on the situation in the Asia Pacific, security and prosperity of the region. Particular attention was paid to Russia’s and New Zealand’s positions on the US — China confrontation, multilateral regional mechanisms and their efficiency, and on China — India interaction.
H.E. Si’alei van Toor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of New Zealand to Russia and Andrey Kortunov, RIAC Director General, delivered welcoming remarks. Ivan Timofeev, RIAC Director of Programs, set a stage for a fruitful discussion in his introductory remarks by posing systemic questions related to the regional context.
The discussion gathered distinguished experts of the field. Alexander Gabuev, Chair of the Russia in the Asia-Pacific Program, Carnegie Moscow Center, and Anna Kireeva, Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and African Studies and Research Fellow at the Center for Comprehensive Chinese Studies and Regional Projects, MGIMO University, represented the Russian side. David Capie, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, Suzannah Jessep, Director of Engagement and Research, Asia New Zealand Foundation, and Jason Young, Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, presented the New Zealand’s point of view. Rob Rabel, Emeritus Professor at the Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, moderated the discussion.
