Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a meeting with the foreign ministers of BRICS member states on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasized that the role of BRICS in addressing global challenges will continue to expand. He highlighted that the association serves as an exemplar of non-discriminatory multipolarity.
"I am convinced that under the current circumstances, the role of BRICS in addressing global challenges will continue to expand. This is particularly significant given that our association serves as a prime example of genuine, equitable, and non-discriminatory multipolarity for the global community," the minister stated.
The head of Russian diplomacy emphasized that the expansion of BRICS is a long-overdue step and expressed confidence that the new partners will significantly contribute to the association's growth.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that "BRICS' unified stance in support of the global South and the majority of the world is highly relevant in today's international relations." "An increasing number of Asian, African, and Latin American states are bolstering their economic positions, demonstrating their eagerness and readiness to protect sovereign national interests and influence global processes. We witness the rapid establishment of a more equitable, polycentric world order, while the era of a unipolar world order is fading into history," Lavrov concluded.
The 2023 BRICS summit, held from August 22-24 in Johannesburg under South Africa's chairmanship, marked one of the largest gatherings of heads of state and government from the global South in recent years. The event included leaders from 54 African countries. Summit participants reached an agreement to welcome Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran into the union alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, effective January 1, 2024. A new list of potential members will be prepared for the upcoming summit in Kazan.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS