Historic Milestones and Grand Visions Unfold at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025
Preparations are now underway for the 7th International Eurasian Aerospace Congress, where the Chechen Republic is expected to announce its participation as a general partner.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held from June 18 to 21, 2025, concluded on a historic note, underlining the Russian Federation’s growing influence across economic, political, and humanitarian spheres. This year’s forum welcomed the Kingdom of Bahrain as the honorary guest country, further emphasizing Russia’s strengthening ties with the Arab world.
Among the most powerful and emotional moments of the forum was the address delivered by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor of the Kingdom of Bahrain and son of the King. His speech during the plenary session resonated deeply with attendees. Quoting the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, Sheikh Nasser underscored the power of cultural and economic diplomacy.
“The renowned Russian poet Pushkin once wrote: ‘And for a long time I will be dear to the people because I awakened good feelings with my lyre.’ This, to me, is the spirit of wise leadership. A policy that echoes Pushkin’s words—a policy that cannot merely be measured by numbers,” Sheikh Nasser stated, addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sheikh Nasser, known for his close personal relationship with the Head of the Chechen Republic and Hero of Russia, Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov, also highlighted the pivotal role Russia is playing in shaping new global trade and economic frameworks.
Beyond economic dialogue, SPIEF 2025 served as a dynamic platform for forward-looking initiatives that blend scientific progress with humanitarian values. One of the most visionary proposals came from the Committee for Space Technologies and Research of the CIS Business Center for Economic Cooperation, advocating for the revival of the proud traditions of space exploration within advanced regions of the Russian Federation and the CIS. Among these regions, the Chechen Republic was singled out as a promising candidate.
Olga Fedorovna Afanasyeva, Chairperson of the Committee, together with an expert panel comprising renowned scientists and cosmonauts, put forward a compelling idea: the Chechen Republic should prepare and send its own cosmonaut into space. This step, they argue, would not only elevate the international standing of the region but also inspire future generations of Chechens and symbolize a deeper unity between the Chechen and Russian peoples through a shared achievement in space exploration.
Historically, the Caucasus has only produced one cosmonaut—Hero of the Soviet Union Musa Manarov. In the contemporary era, however, no Caucasian nationality has sent a representative into space. According to Dr. Sergei Dvoryanov, Vice President and Director of Communications of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum and PhD in Philosophy, the Chechen Republic is well-positioned to lead this monumental endeavor.
Director Communication BCMF envisions a broader mission: one that includes training astronauts from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the first Chechen cosmonaut flying alongside them as part of an international debut crew. This act of humanitarian diplomacy, he stated, would symbolize unity within the Arab world and highlight Chechnya’s role as a bridge between civilizations—a region grounded in deep Islamic spiritual heritage.
Speaking during the forum, Olga Afanasyeva emphasized the immense intellectual capital of the Chechen Republic and praised the visionary leadership of Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov. She noted that under his guidance, the region is fully capable of launching comprehensive initiatives in space science and technology.
In this context, Dr. Sergei Dvoryanov also drew attention to the remarkable success of the BRICS Culture Media Forum recently held in the Chechen Republic. Organized in association with the Mayor of Grozny, the event became a nationwide and international highlight, widely recognized as one of the most impactful BRICS forums to date. “This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Head of the Chechen Republic, Mr. Ramzan Kadyrov,” Dr. Dvoryanov noted. “Together with Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum, we were able to deliver an extraordinary gathering that united voices for cultural diplomacy, peacebuilding, and global cooperation.”
Preparations are now underway for the 7th International Eurasian Aerospace Congress, where the Chechen Republic is expected to announce its participation as a general partner. The announcement will include the launch of a global space diplomacy program, solidifying Chechnya’s ambition to send its first cosmonaut into orbit and expand international cooperation with nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“The Chechen Republic stands ready to showcase its unmatched potential,” said Director Communication BCMF. “A spaceflight involving the first Chechen, Saudi, and Qatari cosmonauts would mark a turning point in international space collaboration.”
For context, the CIS Business Center for Economic Cooperation was founded in 2000 by decision of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The Committee for Space Technologies and Research was established in 2024 under Russia’s chairmanship of the CIS, with a mandate to develop new cooperation formats in the space sector.
SPIEF 2025 has not only strengthened economic alliances—it has opened the door to new horizons of innovation, unity, and cosmic ambition.
