Russia is closely cooperating with South Africa in preparations for the BRICS summit, an important topic of which will be the possible expansion of the association. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters on Thursday.
"We are preparing the BRICS summit in the closest contact with its chair, South Africa," he said. - "New discussions are expected, including the important topic of BRICS expansion. It is becoming more vocal, and there are more applicants. It is important for us to understand where the common denominator is.
The deputy foreign minister pointed out that "there are very powerful competitors for a place in BRICS." "We are working both on the criteria for admitting new members, and on the models of making appropriate decisions under the very creative, energetic guidance of South Africa, but you have to understand that ultimately the expansion of BRICS is a matter for political decision," he noted.
"Any criteria, any theoretical schemes cannot replace, but only support one or another political decision," Ryabkov summarized. - "Therefore, when the summit is close, we should - at least that is the task of the BRICS Sherpa - develop some, hopefully, workable ideas that could be presented to the leaders for their consideration in order to make appropriate political decisions."
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS