Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the BRICS leaders' meeting, outlining key points that included the proposal for a permanent commission on transport within BRICS to facilitate the establishment of new transport routes, such as the North-South corridor. Putin also emphasized the intention to engage in a substantial cultural dialogue with fellow member nations and reiterated a strong stance against neocolonialism.
TASS has comprehensively compiled Putin's significant statements from the summit.
On Ukrainian conflict
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Putin addressed its origins by attributing the present crisis to the West's aspiration "to maintain its global dominance." "Initially, Western nations facilitated an unconstitutional coup d'état in this country, and subsequently, they initiated a conflict against those who dissented with this coup," he noted.
Putin emphasized that Russia has decided to support people engaged in preserving their culture, traditions, language and future. The underlying motivation is to halt the war that was instigated by Western powers and their allies in Ukraine against the residents of Donbass.
The Russian president expressed gratitude toward his BRICS counterparts for their effective participation in endeavors aimed at resolving the situation and attaining a just resolution through peaceful means.
On BRICS development
A notable priority lies in the establishment of novel transportation routes. Putin underscored, "The time has come to institute a standing commission on transportation within BRICS. This commission's purview should encompass not just the North-South initiative, but should also extend to the broader sphere of logistics and transport corridors—both on the interregional and global scale." If there's mutual agreement, Russia is prepared to formulate this concept during its BRICS chairmanship in 2024.
During his preceding address at the BRICS Business Forum, the Russian president "had already emphasized the imperative acceleration of transcontinental routes' development, most notably the North-South corridor, that is set to link Russian ports in the Arctic and Baltic Seas with maritime terminals along the coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and to facilitate an annual transit of up to 30 million tons of cargo in the future."
Russia believes that the role of women within the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) should be expanded. Notably, Putin expressed "full support for the proposition made by South African colleagues to convene a dedicated ministerial meeting focusing on women's affairs."
On multipolar world
The BRICS countries "stand united against any form of hegemony, exceptionalism promoted by certain nations, and the emerging policy rooted in this idea - the policy of ongoing colonialism, neocolonialism."
"Cultural and civilizational diversity stands as a cornerstone of the new multipolar world order. It implies the creation of an inclusive and open space for cultural exchange, art, and creativity. A substantial dialogue with our BRICS partners about the future of culture globally, as well as the preservation and enrichment of the world's cultural heritage, appears essential."
"The 9th International Cultural Forum, scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg from November 16 to 18 this year, could provide a fitting platform for such discussions."
On plans for BRICS chairmanship
"Next year, Russia will assume the BRICS chairmanship," characterized by the theme "Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security."
Approximately 200 political, economic and social events are on the agenda, spanning across more than a dozen Russian cities. The pinnacle of these activities, the BRICS summit, is slated for October 2024 in Kazan.
On association's enlargement
"Throughout our presidency, Moscow is committed to putting forth maximal efforts to effectively support the implementation of the resolutions adopted at this summit, particularly those pertaining to the expansion of the association's membership."
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS