Russian President Vladimir Putin officially took over the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, marking the beginning of Russia’s leadership in the association, which now includes 10 countries following the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as new full members.
Key Points:
1. Motto and Focus:
– The motto for Russia’s BRICS chairmanship is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.”
2. BRICS Membership:
– The association now comprises 10 countries, and Putin highlighted the growing authority of BRICS in international affairs.
3. Key Focus Areas:
– Russia’s chairmanship will concentrate on positive and constructive cooperation across three main areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contacts.
4. Priorities:
– Russia’s priorities include promoting collaboration in science, high technology, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, youth exchanges, and civil society.
5. Inclusion of New Members:
– The inclusion of new members indicates the association’s expanding influence, emphasizing principles such as sovereign equality, mutual consideration of interests, and a multipolar international order.
6. New Category of Partner Countries:
– Russia plans to work on defining a new category of BRICS partner countries, considering the interest of about 30 countries in joining BRICS initiatives.
7. Foreign Policy Coordination:
– The focus includes enhancing foreign policy coordination among member countries to jointly address international and regional security challenges.
8. Economic Partnership and Innovation Cooperation:
– Russia aims to contribute to the implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025 and the Action Plan for BRICS Innovation Cooperation 2021-2024. This involves ensuring energy and food security, expanding interbank cooperation, and promoting the use of national currencies in mutual trade.
9. Upcoming BRICS Summit:
– Over 200 events will be held in various Russian cities during the chairmanship, with the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October as the culmination of these efforts.
