LIVADIA /Republic of Crimea/, April 20. /TASS/. The Yalta International Economic Forum has helped Crimea make more friends and reassured its residents that they are not doomed to suffer from the sanctions, Crimea’s head, Sergei Aksyonov, said on Saturday.

"We saw how many allies we have. Today we understand that we are not doomed by the sanctions," he told a conference titled "Sanction World. Global Challenges" held within the framework of the 5th Yalta International Economic Forum.

He called on Friends of Crimea clubs to consolidate efforts to have the sanctions lifted.

"Let us work out a plan of action to guide each of you in your own country in highlighting what is going on in Crimea. We will pool and coordinate these efforts. I think that after the forum we will form our position within the Friends of Crimea club. A fair and just position will always be supported by people, I have no doubt about that," he stressed.

Friends of Crimea clubs, as national division of the association, were set up in 36 world nations to promote Crimea’s interests and popularize information about the Crimean referendum and everyday life in Crimea. The international association was established in Yalta in 2017.

The 5th Yalta International Economic Forum titled "World. Russia. Crimea. New Global Reality" is taking place in the Crimean city of Yalta on April 17 through 20. TASS is its strategic information partner and its photohost agency.