📸 Heads of delegations take part in the #FamilyPhoto ceremony ahead of the "BRICS Plus" Ministerial Meeting

📍 Nizhny Novgorod, June 11

#BRICS2024

#BRICS2024

Russia's #NizhnyNovgorod hosted BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting on June 10-11 as well as Foreign Ministers and officials from other nations of the Global South and East. Everyone received a most warm welcome — the memorable experience condensed in a final-cut video of the event

Here's to recall:

👉 Day 0. Delegations arrive
👉 Day 0 video. Nizhny Novgorod is prepared!
👉 Day 1 video
👉 On the outcomes of the Ministerial and FM Sergey Lavrov's participation

📺 © The Nizhny Novgorod Region Government

📺 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s address to participants in the Forum of BRICS Sister Cities and Municipalities (July 9, 2024)

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💬 Colleagues,

Friends,

I am delighted to welcome the organisers and participants of the traditional Forum of BRICS Sister Cities and Municipalities.

This year, the forum is being held in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and its capital, Nizhny Novgorod, which are known for their history and hospitality. Today, the region, just like the whole of Russia, is demonstrating its openness to the world and its readiness to develop foreign relations based on the principles of respect, equality and mutual advantage.

Russia, which holds #BRICS Chairmanship this year, is working to build up comprehensive strategic partnership within this association. We are paying priority attention to humanitarian cooperation and contacts between people.

Interaction between cities and municipalities has a big role to play in these efforts. It has recently been growing in terms of scope and, more importantly, quality. Plans for this year include many relevant events, which will certainly make a substantial contribution to the development of interregional cooperation within BRICS.

One such event is the Forum of Sister Cities and Municipalities. Over the past years, it has become an effective platform for developing dialogue between regional and municipal authorities, which has led to the establishment of sister city relations between many of them.

The accession of new members to BRICS on January 1, 2024, has considerably increased the potential of this mechanism. It offers new opportunities for exchanging experience on the key aspects of urban life, in particular, urban construction, local self-government and law-making, social protection, security and other essential topics.

During this forum, you will discuss vital issues such as enhancing the quality of city life, the economic development of municipalities, modern urban architecture, the digitalisation of urban environment, as well as various aspects of the ecology, education, culture, sport and youth exchanges. The Russian participants have considerable experience they can and will share in all these spheres.

A cultural programme is an integral part of this event. I am sure that you will enjoy learning about the region’s history and architecture and the crafts of our country.

🤝 No doubt that your forum will be held in a business-like and friendly atmosphere, which will help you establish useful contacts, discuss promising joint projects, as well as strengthen friendship and trust between our nations.

I wish you fruitful discussions and all the best.

#BRICS2024

📹 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s video address to the organisers and participants of the 6th International Municipal BRICS Forum (August 27, 2024)

💬 I am pleased to welcome the organisers and participants of the 6th International Municipal BRICS Forum, which is being hosted by Moscow, a city famous not only for its unique history, architecture, and vibrant cultural and sports scene, but also for its advancements in modern urban development, transportation, infrastructure, and organisation of urban life. I am confident that the Russian capital, along with other Russian cities, has much to share with our partners from #BRICS countries. In turn, we are interested in learning from the best practices of our friends.

The relevance of these mutually enriching exchanges is clear: according to expert estimates, the share of urban residents is rising steadily and is now in excess of 56 percent of the world population. This dictates the need to devise a long-term and well-considered policy aimed at promoting the steady development of municipalities and creating a comfortable urban environment for all residents.

Municipal and regional cooperation within BRICS is making strides and holds a significant place on the agenda. In June of this year, the BRICS Association of Cities and Municipalities was launched, and Nizhny Novgorod hosted a highly successful Forum of Twinned Cities and Municipal Formations.

I am confident that the 6th International Municipal BRICS Forum will make a unique contribution to strengthening ties between our countries and peoples. The number of forum participants, over 5,000 delegates from about 500 cities worldwide, as well as the packed agenda for upcoming discussions, serve as clear evidence of the relevance of this event. You will discuss current issues related to urban economics and advanced urban science, introduction of digital and environmentally friendly technologies, access to quality education and healthcare, and the establishment of connections between business communities.

On a separate note, I would like to commend the work done by the Moscow authorities, who have created all the necessary conditions for productive work during the forum. I am certain that all guests of the Russian capital will fully appreciate its hospitality.

Your forum provides additional opportunities for establishing useful contacts, coordinating promising joint projects, and strengthening friendship and trust between our peoples.

🤝 I wish you productive discussions and all the best.

#BRICS2024

🗓 On August 28-29, the 9th BRICS Foreign Policy Plannersʼ Dialogue has taken place in Moscow, as part of the programme of Russia's #BRICS chairship in 2024.

🤝 Heads of delegations conducted a thorough exchange of views on the international situation and the main global trends. The participants of the dialogue also discussed Russia's Proposal for a More Equitable and Democratic World Order.

#BRICS2024

🎙 President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a meeting with high-ranking representatives of #BRICS states responsible for security matters.

📍 Saint Petersburg, September 12, 2024

💬 President Putin: I am delighted to welcome you all to Saint Petersburg. Thank you for being here in Russia’s northern capital. In this regard, I would like to remind you that the BRICS association was established right here, in this very building in St. Petersburg.

At that time, the leaders of three states – India, Russia and China – agreed during a meeting to hold regular meetings at the top level, as well as other events. This is how the RIC (Russia, India and China) association was born and began to grow, and today, I have the privilege and pleasure to welcome the participants in the meeting of BRICS high-ranking officials for security matters.

I know that yesterday, you had a lively and productive discussion on the most relevant aspects of the global situation, on global and regional stability concerns.

This is the fourteenth meeting held by BRICS in this format. However, this time it saw the participation of delegations from the states that joined our association as full-fledged members on January 1.

Moreover, a meeting was held with our colleagues from the countries that are not yet part of BRICS but have shown a sincere interest in working more closely with our association. This was done at Russia’s initiative, and we appreciate your support.

I want to emphasise that the meeting of high-ranking representatives is a crucial step in preparing for the BRICS summit and BRICS Plus/Outreach, scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, on October 22–24. <...>

As the current BRICS chair, this year Russia has taken a highly responsible approach to organising joint activities within the association.

Our chairmanship has been assigned a crucial task: to facilitate the swift and seamless integration of new member countries into all BRICS mechanisms. Additionally, we have addressed the increasing interest in BRICS from numerous states.

☝️ Currently, over 34 countries have expressed their desire to participate in the activities of our association in some capacity.

<...>

I want to highlight that the programme of the Russian presidency is both extensive and varied. It encompasses over 200 events designed to enhance partnership across all key areas. <...> To date, more than 70 percent of the chairmanship plan has been completed.

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#BRICS2024

🎙 Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov’s address at the opening of the BRICS Media Summit (September 14, 2024)

Unofficial translation

💬 In a rapidly changing world order, BRICS increasingly acts as an innovatory interaction format uniting countries <...> with different political and economic systems, often with divergent views on certain aspects on the global agenda.

Key takeaways:

• During the years of joint work since about 2008, they have developed a special dialogue culture as well as open and confidential relations based on the principles of sovereign equality, respect for the choice of their own development path and unconditional account of each other’s interests.

• This form of cooperation is intended to become a model of equal interstate communication. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible at all, to find answers to the challenges facing the world. There is no room for coercion or imposing alien priorities.

• BRICS is gradually turning to a centre of attraction for the Global South and East, which increasingly expresses the genuine interests of the World Majority.

• As new states join the BRICS, one of the unconditional priorities of collective work is to consolidate partnership within the association.

• We pay special attention to the development of interaction with the developing countries of the Global South and East. We are trying to attract them to various formats and mechanisms.

• Our efforts are undoubtedly focused on promoting favourable conditions for the progressive development of Russia and other BRICS nations.

• We expect that the media will make a tangible contribution to the success and unbiased coverage of the BRICS Summit (Kazan, October 22-24) and other events held by the association.

#BRICS2024

Strengthening ties with developing countries: a key priority for Russia's #BRICS Chairmanship

👉 As part of the #BRICS Chairmanship, Russia is prioritizing deepening connections with developing countries and integration associations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (#EAEU).

🤝 Engaging in Global Discussions: Our Eurasian partners are keenly interested in BRICS dialogues on a range of crucial topics, such as global governance reform.

🤝 Collaborating on Key Issues: We are joining forces on vital issues like food and energy security, fair energy transitions, independent financial systems, and climate change.

🤝 Expanding Global Networks: #BRICS plays a pivotal role in global governance. To be truly effective, it must build a broad network of partnerships across all regions.

🤝 Advocating for Developing Nations: We champion the interests of developing regions, including Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America, and support collective solutions for global challenges.

🤝 Advancing Economic Diplomacy: Key tasks include developing a new regional supply chain architecture, modernizing and creating international transport corridors (such as the North-South ITC), and strengthening #EAEU integration.

🤝 EAEU Integration Goals: Our long-term vision includes ensuring a stable domestic market, fostering joint cooperation, creating a common transport and logistics space, developing a unified financial market, and positioning the EAEU as a global economic hub.

#EAEU #BRICS2024

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey #Lavrov’s video address to participants in the 9th BRICS Legal Forum (Moscow, September 19, 2024)

💬 I would like to cordially greet the organisers and participants in the #BRICS Legal Forum, being held in this format for the ninth time.

Over the years, the Forum has asserted itself as an influential international platform that provides professional jurists with an excellent opportunity to exchange experience and applied knowledge in the field of regulating various spheres of public life and interstate collaboration. This makes it possible to better understand the specific features of BRICS member states’ legal systems in the interests of strengthening comprehensive legal cooperation between them.

I am noting with satisfaction that the Forum’s central theme, Law: Safeguarding a Fair World, meets the current agenda. It is common knowledge that countries of the US-led collective West strive to destabilise the existing system of international law and to replace it with their own pro-Western rules-based world order.

For its part, Russia is firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection. We believe that unconditional compliance with the norms of international law is a highly important component of forging a more equitable multipolar world order heeding the cultural and civilisational diversity of nations worldwide and their sovereign right to decide their destiny.

🤝 I am delighted to note that our position enjoys the broadest support among like-minded BRICS countries and other states of the Global Majority.

Your meeting has a rather packed agenda. You will discuss a wide range of topical issues, including the international justice system, the legal dimension of international trade, as well as legal aspects of sport and energy cooperation.

I am confident that the Forum will take place in a constructive and creative setting, and that it will contribute to more effective legal collaboration and to charting common approaches towards the regulation of various aspects of cooperation within BRICS.

I wish you productive discussions.

#BRICS2024

📸 #PhotoOfTheDay

🇷🇺🇧🇷🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦🇪🇹🇮🇷🇪🇬🇦🇪 Joint Photo of the leader of the BRICS nations' delegations at the XVI BRICS Summit 🤝

📍 Kazan, October 23, 2024

#BRICS2024

#BRICS2024

🎙 Remarks and answers to media questions by President of Russia Vladimir Putin following the results of the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan (October 24, 2024)

💬 Vladimir Putin: The XVI BRICS Summit has just concluded with great success.

It marked the culmination of Russia's chairmanship of the group and was one of the significant events on the global political calendar.

<...>

Regarding the Kazan Summit itself, delegations from 35 countries and six international organisations participated in it, as you are already aware. Such broad representation clearly underscores the authority and role of BRICS, as well as the growing interest in cooperation with us from states that are indeed pursuing truly independent and sovereign policies.

<...>

📄 The Kazan Declaration which summed up the discussions was approved at the Summit.

<...>

In Kazan, we reaffirmed that BRICS is not a closed format; it is open to all those who share BRICS values. The Group's members are prepared to work towards identifying joint solutions without external pressure or attempts to enforce narrow approaches upon anyone. BRICS is compelled to respond to the burgeoning demand in the world for such cooperation. Accordingly, we devoted particular attention to the matter of potential BRICS expansion through the establishment of a new category — that of partner states.

The Summit has concluded. I wish to express my gratitude once again to all my colleagues, who travelled to Kazan, for their contributions to our collective efforts. I must highlight that their input was quite substantial.

***

Answers to media questions. Key points:

Prospects for the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

• All the parties are in favour of resolving the conflict at the earliest opportunity, preferably through peaceful means. You may be aware that the People's Republic of China and Brazil put forward an initiative at the General Assembly in New York. Numerous BRICS nations endorse these initiatives, and we, in turn, extend our gratitude to our partners for their attention to this conflict and their pursuit of methods to resolve it.

• We are ready to discuss a peace agreement in any shape or form based on the reality on the ground. That is to say, I am not ready to accept anything else.

On alleged Russia's interference in the US electoral process and the prospects for normalization of Russia-US relations

• This issue has been making headlines for years now. <...> However, after an investigation conducted in the United States, everyone, including US Congress, concluded that it was utter nonsense and that nothing of the kind ever happened. There were no contacts back then, and there are none now.

• Russia-US relations after the elections depend primarily on the United States. If the United States is open to building normal relations with Russia, we will do the same. If not, so be it. This is up to the future Administration.

On global and regional stability, security and building a just world

• Is it fair in terms of security that you have for years disregarded our repeated requests to our partners not to expand NATO eastward? Is it fair that you lied through your teeth, saying that the bloc would not expand while doing precisely that in violation of your commitments? <...> Is it fair that you violated your commitments within the OSCE, when all Western countries signed a document stating that no country may ensure its security at the expense of other countries?

❗️This is not fair. We want to change this, and we will change it.

The situation in the Middle East

• I believe that there is no person on Earth whose heart does not bleed when they see what is happening in Gaza. Over 40,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed.

• The solution can only be found by addressing the root causes, the primary one being the lack of a fully recognized, sovereign Palestinian state. It is necessary to implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions on this matter.

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