Lavrov: BRICS Riding the Winds of Change with Growing Interest from Countries Wishing to Join

Department of Strategic Research and International Relations June 14, 2024

During a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the increasing role of the organization in resolving global issues.

The city of Nizhny Novgorod in Russia is hosting the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting aims to discuss regional issues and strengthen joint efforts within the framework of multipolarity.

The meeting is expected to last two days, with the ministers discussing cooperation prospects in three main areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and humanitarian cooperation.

Discussions will also touch on closer ties between BRICS and other international organizations.

On the sidelines of the meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, a session is expected to be held with several friendly countries to the organization, including Turkey, Cuba, and Thailand. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently hinted at Ankara’s potential accession to the BRICS+ initiative.

Additionally, the Saudi flag was notably absent from the meeting table due to the absence of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia officially joined the BRICS group earlier this year.

The meeting began with a minute of silence in mourning for the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian. Lavrov then began his speech by offering condolences to the Iranian people and the families of the victims of the Iranian presidential plane crash.

Lavrov stated, “The transition to a new world order will take an entire historical era and the path will be fraught with challenges, especially amid Washington’s attempts to hinder this course.”

He added, “The United States and its allies continue their attempts to cling to dominance and slow down the formation of a multipolar system, using sanctions as a tool of pressure and blackmail, as they did in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and several other countries.”

Lavrov pointed out that “Washington tries to impose its rules and dictate to others, seeking to dominate the decisions and interests of nations.”

He also noted that “BRICS is being propelled by the winds of change,” explaining that “its role in solving international issues is growing amid an increasing number of countries expressing interest in cooperating with the group.”

He affirmed that “BRICS is one of the prominent groups where principles of equality, mutual respect, openness, solidarity, continuity, and consensus are genuinely realized, not just in words.” He stressed that “the countries are actively working on establishing a platform for transactions in national currencies of the member states and creating a unified currency.”

Lavrov also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, discussing several issues, including the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza and ways to achieve a resolution.