In a significant development on January 1, Russia officially assumed the chairmanship of the BRICS group, marking a pivotal moment in the international diplomatic landscape. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his address, highlighted the guiding theme of their tenure: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.”
The BRICS group, now expanded to include 10 countries, welcomes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, signaling a growing influence in global affairs. President Putin underscored the principles that bind the association, such as sovereign equality, mutual consideration of interests, and the pursuit of a multipolar international order.
Putin expressed the intention to integrate new participants into the association’s activities and announced plans to establish a new category for BRICS partner countries. This move aims to include approximately 30 countries willing to align with BRICS principles.
Russia’s chairmanship will focus on three key areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contacts. Putin emphasized the importance of enhancing foreign policy coordination among member countries and jointly addressing global challenges to security and stability.
The practical implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025 and the Action Plan for BRICS Innovation Cooperation 2021-2024 will be a priority. Russia aims to contribute to energy and food security, enhance the role of BRICS in the international monetary system, and expand the use of national currencies in mutual trade.
Russia’s priorities for the BRICS partnership include cooperation in science, high technology, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, youth exchanges, and civil society. Over 200 events of various types and levels are planned across Russian cities during the chairmanship, culminating in the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.
As Russia assumes its BRICS chairmanship, the nation looks forward to productive collaboration with all member countries and invites representatives from interested nations to participate in the numerous events planned during this period. The BRICS Summit in Kazan promises to be the pinnacle of Russia’s chairmanship, gathering leaders for strategic discussions on global cooperation and development.
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