ST. PETERSBURG, June 17. /TASS/. Moscow has information about how the West actually exerted pressure on every country, forcing them against taking part in the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with TASS.

"There was an extensive pressure. We have detailed information about how each country was worked with. There were letters. There were voiced threats in the course of meetings," Zakharova said speaking on the sidelines of the 2023 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"It was certainly done by the frontrunners - the United States," she continued. "In general, the atmosphere was shaped up by leading NATO member states. Proper talks were literally held with every country with the aim to instill an idea that it was banned to attend the forum, that their countries would later encounter consequences and another package of sanctions against them may be around the corner. They were warned about thinking twice before taking part in the events on the territory of Russia," Zakharova said.

According to the Russian diplomat, all of such steps were take not only in regard to the SPIEF.

"It is being done virtually in regard to every deal that is about to be inked at state or involves major business that enjoy state support - the kind of support that is the norm for such deals," she said.

"As it goes, US, British, EU coordinators are always swift with their travels to certain countries which, for instance, Russian Foreign Minister was about to visit in Africa," Zakharova stated.

"They depart to certain destinations, then brainwash local officials and business representatives, intimidate them and draw scary scenarios for them," she continued. "They can also arrive later in order to severe inked deals in regard to every aspect. It includes culture, economy, business, politics and, by the way, mass media cooperation as well."

The 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) — Russia’s showcase annual economic and business event — is being held on June 14-17. The theme of this year’s forum is: "Sovereign Development as the Basis of a Just World: Joining Forces for Future Generations." TASS is the official information partner of the event.

SPIEF’s expanded business program offers attendees the opportunity to participate in more than 140 sessions featuring over 1,000 moderators and speakers, according to event organizer Roscongress Foundation.

The business program is divided into five thematic blocks: "The World Economy at a Global Turning Point," "The Russian Economy: From Adaptation to Growth," "Building Technological Sovereignty," "The Labor Market: A Response to the New Challenges," as well as "Protecting the Population and Quality of Life as the Main Priority.".