To avoid heated discussions of sensitive issues, the host Russia has selected three issues to put on the summit agenda, namely energy security, the control of contagious diseases and improvements in education quality.

According to Russian Foreign Minister Segey Lavrov, the three issues had received support from the Group Eight as well as from the international community. A joint effort to deal with the three main issues is expected to have practical impact on the quality and living conditions of current and future generations.

The meeting takes place at a time when the world has been witnessing numerous complicated changes, including massive bomb blasts in Iraq, escalated tension between Palestine and Israel, the Iranian nuclear issue and the recent missile test-fires by the Democratic People Republic of Korea. Therefore, these thorny issues will be brought up at the summit. And Russia will certainly have to drive the meeting in a way to dwell on existing differences. For example, regarding the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, G8 will discuss international commitments to ensure that nations without nuclear potential are allowed to enjoy benefits of such energy under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This initiative was put forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin early this year. To do this, the host must be tactful and flexible.

No matter how far the meeting will go, Russia’s assumption of G8 Presidency and the hosting of the summit for the first time have helped elevate the country’s role and position in the international arena. There were a lot of opinions about its status quo before the Petersburg meeting. Russia was criticised here and there for using energy as a weapon in international relations, its policy towards the Middle East, its co-operation with Iran, and the democratic situation in the country.

But there is no denying that although Russia has not been included in the top 10 economic powers in the world, under the leadership of President V. Putin, Russia has secured a high economic growth over the past seven consecutive years. By June 2006, its foreign currency reserves reached US$185 billion. In addition, the recent soaring oil prices on the global market also helped lift Russia’s position in the world. With its financial strength, Russia is believed to have a strong say at forums in such issues as development aid, poverty reduction, and epidemic prevention, which G8 plays a major role in dealing with. Notably, as a leading oil producer and supplier, Russia is believed to help stabilise the global energy market.

At present, many analysts, including western diplomats, are speaking of a Russian comeback in the settlement of international issues, such as the complicated situation in the Middle East. The country is considered an irreplaceable mediator in tackling the Iran nuclear crisis peacefully.

More than that, Russia has recently agreed to clear debts worth US$700 million for the poorest countries, and Moscow has been hailed by World Bank Director Paul Wolfowitz as a potential emerging aid donor.

Of course, things are not all smooth sailing with Russia. The US and western countries continue to bring more pressure to bear upon Russia in various issues. Other nations in the Group Eight are not satisfied at Russia’s independent stance on many international issues, as the country does not support the US decision to unilaterally deploy more troops in Iraq and is effectively using its power as the world’s second largest oil exporter and top gas supplier.

The post-Soviet space war is taking place conclusively, supported by a wave of colourful revolutions among the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and the appearance of pro-western governments. Expanding NATO westward closer to the Russian boundaries and preventing the country from joining the World Trade Organisation are just tactical moves against Russia’s coming back as a power.    

After the Soviet Union collapsed, under the leadership of President Putin, Russia has emerged from a deteriorated economy to become a big political and economic rival in the world. However, it has not been recognised as a full member of the group of industrialised nations and is still waiting for the recognition. The current summit meeting in St. Petersburg is now providing a golden opportunity.