A New Era for BRICS: Expansion and Strategic Cooperation under Russian Leadership

In an insightful interview with TV BRICS, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov discussed the significant strides BRICS has made under Russia's chairmanship in 2024

In an engaging conversation with our friends from TV BRICS, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov shed light on the evolving dynamics of the BRICS coalition during Russia's key chairmanship in 2024. This year, the addition of five new members - Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia - marked a significant phase in the history of BRICS, increasing its presence on the global stage and reaffirming its role in shaping a multipolar world.

The expansion took place without a predefined blueprint, making 2024 a year of uncharted but remarkably smooth integration. Ryabkov's insights reveal a robust mechanism at work within BRICS, where decisions are forged through consensus, promoting equal participation of all members, both veterans and newcomers.

Financial Innovations and Economic Bonds

This year, Russia is focusing on financial integration among member states. They're looking at things like stablecoins and the 'BRICS Bridge'. This is a platform that would link up the financial systems of the member states. It could even include their digital currencies and national financial messaging systems. These kinds of initiatives are trying to reduce reliance on Western-dominated global financial systems and to build stronger economic ties within the coalition.

Political and Security Synergies

With the addition of new members, BRICS has grown and diversified its collective capabilities and viewpoints, strengthening its coherence and presence on international platforms like the UN Environment Assembly. This integration helps the coalition navigate complex global issues with a united front.

Boosting Humanitarian, Cultural, and Scientific Ties

The Russian chairmanship also focuses on strengthening ties in humanitarian, cultural, and scientific areas. Plans are underway to advance joint projects in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and nuclear medicine. These efforts are supported by an expanding network of BRICS centers dedicated to technology transfer and collaborations between universities and research institutions. Ryabkov also mentioned a series of cultural festivals, exhibitions, and forums that are designed to foster intercultural dialogue and showcase the creative energies of the BRICS nations. Events like the BRICS Sports Games and the Youth Volunteer Conference are also on the agenda, intending to engage the coalition’s younger demographics and lay the foundation for long-lasting collaboration.

The Kazan Summit: A Milestone of Cooperation and Vision

Russia’s chairmanship will culminate in the BRICS summit in Kazan this October. Ryabkov is really excited about this event, which is going to celebrate all the great things that have been achieved this year and look at how we can keep working together. Kazan was chosen because it's got great logistics and it shows off Russia's cultural diversity and innovation.

On the very day Ryabkov was interviewed, we posted a video about our trip to Kazan, to show what this city is like and what it can offer. The video shows the city's beautiful scenery, modern facilities, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a great way to show the global community what Kazan (also known as “the Third Capital of Russia”) has to offer and to highlight the city's role in the broader BRICS story.

So, what did we learn from Sergey Ryabkov’s chat with TV BRICS? Well, it seems that this has been a pretty transformative year for the coalition under Russian stewardship. With a dynamic and comprehensive agenda, BRICS is not just enlarging its membership but also broadening its influence and cooperative scope. The upcoming summit in Kazan is poised not just as a celebration of these achievements but as a proactive platform for future endeavors. As the world watches, Kazan is set to show how important and influential BRICS is in global affairs.