editor
The BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, has captured global attention as one of the key events on the international agenda. Now in its second day, the summit brings together the leaders of the nine BRICS member countries for a closed-door meeting. In his opening remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted Russia’s goal for its presidency this year: strengthening the global authority of BRICS and expanding its role in addressing international issues. Putin’s comments underscore BRICS’ efforts to solidify its position not just as an economic bloc, but also as a significant political force on the global stage.
A key point in Putin’s speech was the deepening of financial cooperation within BRICS and the group’s commitment to expansion. He noted, “It would be a mistake to ignore the unprecedented interest shown by the countries of the Global South and East towards BRICS,” pointing out that over 30 nations have expressed a desire to join the bloc. This interest emerges at a time when global power dynamics are shifting rapidly, and developing countries are seeking a stronger voice in international affairs.
The Rising Role of BRICS: Global Responsibility and Regional Stability
Putin’s address at the summit made it clear that BRICS countries aim to take on global responsibilities beyond economic development, including promoting international security and stability. His statement that “BRICS countries assume responsibility for the future of the world not in words, but in deeds” reflects the bloc’s aspiration not only to defend its own interests but also to contribute to solving global problems. In this context, the human development, scientific, and technological potential of BRICS nations is seen as a vital tool for playing a more active role in global affairs.
The core strategy of BRICS revolves around meeting the expectations of developing countries and striving for a more equitable global structure. In a world undergoing profound changes, BRICS’ emphasis on shared values and common worldviews positions the bloc to have a significant impact on international relations, promoting a more balanced approach.
Lula’s Absence and the Summit’s Participants
Another noteworthy development at the summit was the absence of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who was unable to attend due to an injury sustained at home. In his place, Brazil was represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The summit also saw the participation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This broad representation underscores BRICS’ increasing influence on the global stage.
What is BRICS and Why Does it Matter?
BRICS refers to the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with the name deriving from the initials of these countries. The cooperation among these five emerging economies is not just seen as a consolidation of economic strength, but also as an effort to create an alternative center of global power.
In conclusion, the summit in Kazan reflects BRICS’ ambition to gain greater influence in global politics and economics. The growing interest from the Global South and the potential for BRICS expansion could signal significant changes in the international order. During this process, the BRICS nations are uniting around principles of equality, mutual respect, and shared values, striving to build a more balanced international system.
