Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted the equality among BRICS member states, despite their diverse political systems and religions, in an interview with O Globo newspaper.
Lavrov stated, "Strengthening the potential and role of BRICS in world affairs is our priority. Within the association, there is equal interaction among countries representing different economic and political systems, religions, and macro-regions."
He underscored the steady growth in the international authority of BRICS, noting the addition of five new members since January 1 as confirmation. Lavrov described BRICS as one of the pillars of the multipolar world.
Since assuming the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, Russia has planned over 200 events for 2024 to "promote the organic integration of new participants into the association's work.
BRICS has undergone two waves of expansion since its establishment in 2006, with South Africa joining the original membership in 2011. In August 2023, six new members were invited to join, but Argentina declined to join in late December. Since January 1, 2024, BRICS has expanded to include 10 countries.
Under the Russian presidency, the association's motto is "Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: brics-russia2020.ru/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS