Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent address at the BRICS Business Council meeting in Moscow outlined the agenda for the upcoming BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Nizhny Novgorod. Lavrov emphasized the importance of cooperation within BRICS, highlighting its unique format and commitment to economic growth, social problem-solving, and the development of innovative human potential among its member countries.
Preparing for the BRICS Summit and Council Meeting
Lavrov underscored the significance of the upcoming BRICS Summit in October 2024 in Kazan. Before this, the BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers will meet June 10-11, bringing together full members and invited countries from various global integration entities. This meeting will serve as a crucial platform for advancing BRICS’ collective goals.
Who will represent India?
According to sources, “A decision has yet to be taken.’’
BRICS: A Unique Interstate Format
Lavrov acknowledged BRICS as a unique platform where countries with diverse religions, civilizations, and cultures come together to communicate, collaborate, and make joint decisions. These decisions are grounded in principles of equality, mutual respect, openness, and the pursuit of balanced interests. This inclusive approach has been pivotal in ensuring that the cooperative efforts within BRICS align with the interests of all member nations and resonate with the aspirations of other Global Majority countries.
Economic Growth and Social Development
A key objective of BRICS, as outlined by Lavrov, is to create favourable conditions for the economic growth of its member countries. This goal extends to addressing social issues and fostering the development of human potential through innovative means. The shared interests of BRICS nations in these areas have been reaffirmed by the recent expansion of the association’s membership. In 2023, BRICS doubled its membership from five to ten countries, and more than 30 additional states have expressed interest in closer ties with BRICS, reflecting the association’s growing influence and appeal.
Strengthening Business Ties
He stressed that many of the issues faced by BRICS countries cannot be efficiently resolved without the active involvement of the business community. To facilitate this, Lavrov called for direct dialogue between entrepreneurs within BRICS. He highlighted the operational efforts of the BRICS Business Council and the Women’s Business Alliance, both of which were established at Russia’s initiative. As Russia holds the presidency of BRICS this year, there is a strong commitment to supporting and encouraging active participation in these organizations.
Lavrov’s remarks underscored the critical role that business cooperation plays in the broader BRICS agenda. By fostering direct communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, BRICS aims to enhance economic integration and drive forward the collective development of its member states.
Members of BRICS
As reported previously, on January 1, Russia was passed the baton of the BRICS chairmanship. India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Russia are among the founding members. According to the decision adopted by the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2022, this association includes 10 countries: Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, joined BRICS as new full members which is a strong indication of the growing authority of the association and its role in international affairs.