The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) possess the capacity to discover shared solutions even for the most intricate challenges, as highlighted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an article published in the South African magazine Ubuntu.
"Undoubtedly, we have significant achievements to showcase to our respective populations. Within BRICS, our collective endeavors have culminated in the cultivation of a culture of dialogue, underpinned by principles such as equality, respect for diverse developmental trajectories, and the consideration of mutual interests. This foundation has been instrumental in enabling us to identify shared ground and forge 'solutions' even when grappling with the most intricate matters," the minister emphasized.
He underscored that the position and significance of the BRICS consortium, as well as its capacity to shape the global agenda, are anchored in objective realities. "The statistics bear testimony to this fact. Collectively, the member states encompass over 40% of the world's population and account for more than a quarter of the global land area. Projections by experts suggest that in 2023, the BRICS countries will contribute approximately 31.5% of the world's GDP (at purchasing power parity), while the Group of Seven's share, by the same measure, has dwindled to 30%," he emphasized.
"At present, the strategic partnership fostered within the BRICS framework is gaining notable momentum. The association itself presents the global community with innovative and forward-looking initiatives that align with the objectives of attaining Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives encompass the assurance of food and energy security, fostering a robust global economic growth, conflict mitigation, combatting climate change, and embracing a just energy transition," Lavrov emphasized.
The minister additionally highlighted the establishment of an extensive array of mechanisms geared toward addressing these objectives. "The execution of the economic partnership strategy until 2025 is well underway, setting the roadmap for collaborative efforts in the medium term. The operationalization of the BRICS energy research platform, initiated by Russia, is underway. Concurrently, the BRICS Center for Vaccine Research and Development has been inaugurated to contribute to the formulation of effective responses to challenges pertaining to our nations' epidemic well-being," - he continued. - "Initiatives geared towards eradicating sanctuaries for corrupt officials and ill-gotten assets, facilitating trade and investment for sustainable growth, and amplifying collaboration within the realm of supply chains have garnered endorsement. Moreover, the adoption of the BRICS Food Security Strategy marks a significant stride in our collective endeavors."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS