❗️Latest statements by Vladimir Putin at the plenary session of the Russian-African parliamentary conference:

▪️ Cooperation between Russia and Africa has reached new levels;

▪️ Africa will be among the frontrunners who shape the world order;

▪️ Russia champions a strategic partnership with African countries and shaping the global agenda;

▪️ Russia has written off over $20 billion of African countries’ debt;

▪️ Russia will continue helping Africa with electricity and expanding energy systems there;

▪️ Moscow will bolster military-technical cooperation with African countries;

▪️ Medical cooperation with Africa will also be stepped up;

▪️ Russia insists that the grain deal be fully implemented; as of now, only 3% of goods go to Africa while the rest goes to developed countries;

▪️ Russia is ready to deliver the agreed upon amount of grain to Africa for free if the grain deal is not extended

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❗️ Putin, Xi begin informal meeting in Kremlin

🇨🇳 Xi Jinping left the Soluxe Hotel Moscow for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in a Chinese 'Rolls Royce' – the Hongqi N701.

The vehicle has been seen in use by the Chinese president repeatedly over the past year, including during a trip to Hong Kong in July. It is reported that just 50 copies of the N701 will be produced for official state duties over the coming decade.

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❗️LIVE NOW: Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hold meeting in Moscow
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🇷🇺 Key statements by Vladimir Putin on meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping:

▪️Putin congratulates Xi on re-election;

▪️Xi Jinping’s work over past decade has been appreciated;

▪️Russia and China have many common goals;

▪️China has made breakthrough in recent years, arousing genuine interest all over world;

▪️Chinese economy is strong, governance more efficient than in other countries;

▪️Russia, China trade has more than doubled, now amounting to $185 billion;

▪️China takes fair, balanced position on most international issues;

▪️Putin was familiarized with China's plan to resolve situation in Ukraine;

▪️Russia always open to negotiations, respects China's plan on situation in Ukraine.

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Dr. Gerald Horne, professor of history at the University of Houston, Texas, author, historian, and researcher, joined us to discuss the US’ obsession with isolating Russia, which may come out sideways for the US

🗣️”Washington in some ways is going to find itself isolated, although the thrust of its foreign policy clearly has been to try to isolate Russia,” he stated

🎧Listen to more of Horne’s analysis in our podcast The Critical Hour

🇨🇳 Key statements by Xi Jinping at meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow:

▪️Russia and China should have close relations;

▪️Russia made significant progress in country's prosperity under Putin's leadership;

▪️Xi is sure Russian people will support Putin during presidential election next year.

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International relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda joined us to discuss the ICC’s arrest warrant issued for President Putin

Listen to more of Sleboda’s analysis in our podcast The Backstory

Le Pen says may run for French presidency for 4th time

"No, I would not go to the Hotel Matignon [the residence of the French prime minister] ... As I have already been a presidential candidate three times, I will possibly run for the presidency for the fourth time. The decision has not been made yet," Le Pen told French broadcaster.

"I am not afraid of power, I am looking forward to it, in order to show the French people that we are able to complete the reforms they are waiting for and that we are able to bring good results for the country, for their security, their prosperity and for protecting their identity in a comparatively shot time period," Le Pen told.

The next presidential election in the country will be held in 2027.

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🎬 Russia is ready to ship grain to Africa free of charge, Russian President Vladimir Putin says

If Russia makes a decision not to extend the grain deal 60 days later, it is ready to ship the same volume that was sent over the previous period to the neediest countries in Africa free of charge, Putin stated

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🎬 National energy systems in some African countries are 100% funded by Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin says

"We are going to continue to help African states in generating energy," he stated.

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❗️US announces $350 million drawdown of military equipment for Ukraine, package includes ammunition for HIMARS, howitzers, Bradleys - Blinken

Ukraine’s Entry Into EU ‘Not on the Agenda Today’

“There can be no concessions when it comes to rule of law, freedom of speech and common European values. Membership [in the EU] depends on the reform process. NATO has an ‘open door’ policy; sovereign states decide for themselves which alliance they want to join if they wish to join. In the case of Ukraine this question is not on the agenda today; first of all it is necessary to end this terrible war,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced.

The conflict in Ukraine is rooted in the West's long-standing efforts to pull Ukraine away from cooperation with Russia, including its push for Ukraine's accession into the EU and NATO as well as the the violent coup in Kiev in 2014, which led to the new government's pro-Western policies and sparked the ongoing war. It also touches on the Minsk Agreements and Russia's proposal for a security treaty, which were both rejected by the West.

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At the informal meeting in the Kremlin, Xi called Putin "my dear friend"

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At the informal meeting in the Kremlin, Putin outlined the necessity to discuss the situation in Ukraine with Xi Jinping

💬‘’We have carefully read your proposals for resolving the severe crisis in Ukraine. Of course we will have the opportunity to discuss these issues. We know that you proceed from the principles of justice and respect for the fundamental provisions of international law, and indivisible security for all parties. You are also aware that we are always open to the negotiation process. We will certainly discuss all the issues, including your initiative,’’ Putin said.

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At the informal meeting in the Kremlin, Xi pointed to the strong leadership of Putin and support of his nation

💬“I know that next year your country will hold its upcoming presidential elections. Thanks to your strong leadership over the recent years, Russia has gained significant success in achieving national success and prosperity. I am sure that the Russian people will resolutely support you in your good endeavors,” Xi said.

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❗Putin, Xi have completed informal talks; they lasted 4.5 hours