The recent BRICS Summit held in Kazan marks a significant milestone in the group's journey towards enhanced cooperation and solidarity among the Global South. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that the summit has initiated a new phase of collaboration, reinforcing BRICS' role as a cornerstone for developing nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 16th BRICS Summit, engaging in over ten events within a span of less than 48 hours. Wang Yi praised the visit as a \"complete success,\" highlighting China's pivotal role in fostering BRICS cooperation and supporting the Global South.
Expanding BRICS Membership
The Kazan summit was notable for being the first face-to-face meeting of BRICS leaders since Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the group on January 1, 2024. This expansion brings BRICS to include Brazil, Russia, India, the Chinese mainland, and South Africa, strengthening its influence on the global stage.
With over 30 nations expressing interest in joining BRICS, the summit saw leaders agreeing to invite several countries as BRICS partner nations. This move is set to enhance the group's representativeness, appeal, and strategic impact, positioning BRICS as a strategic force advocating for a more just and equitable global governance system.
Solidarity of the Global South
During the BRICS Plus leaders' dialogue, Xi emphasized China's unwavering commitment to the Global South, stating, \"We will always keep the Global South in our heart and maintain our roots in the Global South.\" He called for more Global South countries to join BRICS as full members or partners, aiming to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The dialogue featured leaders from over 30 countries who discussed strengthening multilateralism, promoting equitable global development, and ensuring international security. There was a unanimous call against power politics, bullying, and double standards, alongside a demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reforms to the international economic and financial order.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Throughout the summit, President Xi engaged in in-depth discussions with leaders of other BRICS nations. In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi highlighted the importance of non-alliance and non-confrontation, emphasizing the need to uphold a UN-centered international system to safeguard global strategic stability.
With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xi stressed the importance of enhancing strategic mutual trust and communication. Both leaders acknowledged recent progress in resolving border issues and agreed to collaborate on multilateral efforts to protect the interests of developing countries.
All participating leaders reiterated their support for the one-China principle and expressed a strong commitment to aligning development strategies with China. This unified stance underscores BRICS' collective ambition to promote fairness, justice, and sustainable development on the global stage.
Reference(s):
Kazan summit opens new phase of greater BRICS cooperation: Wang Yi
cgtn.com
