In October, Kazan is alive with energy as it hosts the first summit of the BRICS nations following its expansion. Russia, the rotating presidency holder for BRICS in 2024, will welcome leaders from the bloc for the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting from October 22 to 24.
Kazan, often referred to as Russia’s “third capital,” boasts a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage, seamlessly merging modernity with tradition. This vibrant city embodies the spirit and character of the BRICS nations.
The charm of Kazan is encapsulated in its city museum, where visitors can delve into the deep historical and cultural connections between the Tatar people and Russia. The allure of Kazan further shines through the Qol Sharif Mosque, known as the “Crown of Kazan,” offering insights into various religious histories and cultures. Strolling through its streets, one can experience the unique beauty of Tatar literature, music, and art, alongside the diverse cultural richness found throughout Russia.
Kazan is also dubbed the “Sports Capital.” Recently, it hosted the opening ceremony for the 2024 BRICS Games and a series of events focused on cultural dialogue among the BRICS nations, marking significant progress in cultural exchange and cooperation. The foundation for collaboration among BRICS countries continues to strengthen, expanding the breadth and depth of shared learning and understanding.
In 2024, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Ethiopia will officially join the BRICS family, signifying a historic step in the bloc’s expansion that demonstrates its vitality and appeal. Over the past year, BRICS cooperation has seen accelerated growth and strength. The BRICS nations are leading the charge, ushering in a new era of unity among the Global South, as the cooperation mechanism enters a new phase.
For 18 years, BRICS has upheld the principles of openness, inclusivity, collaboration, and mutual benefit, establishing itself as a flagbearer for South-South cooperation. The group stands in solidarity with emerging markets and developing countries, sharing both challenges and aspirations.
At a recent special summit focused on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, BRICS leaders defended the rights of developing countries within multilateral frameworks like the G20. The cohesion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism is increasing, elevating its influence and establishing it as a positive, stable, and proactive force in international affairs.
Currently, BRICS cooperation is entering a new stage of high-quality development. As the largest developing country, China remains committed to walking hand-in-hand with other developing nations. The global development initiative proposed by China has received enthusiasm from over 100 countries and international organizations, leading to the implementation of more than 200 projects funded by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund.
As the appeal of the BRICS cooperation mechanism rises, more nations are showing keen interest in joining, with some countries from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America already applying, and many more expressing a desire to be part of this growing community.
During the recent BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Foreign Minister, emphasized the need to support Russia as the host and seize this opportunity to send a strong message to the world about upholding fairness, justice, and promoting common development. He also highlighted the urgency of completing work on establishing partner countries, a mission agreed upon during last year’s Johannesburg summit, while keeping the door open for further expansion.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated, “China consistently supports an open and inclusive BRICS mechanism, endorsing the expansion process and welcoming like-minded partners to join the BRICS family as soon as possible.”
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, around 30 countries are also interested in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which he stated convincingly demonstrates the rising prestige and role of BRICS nations in international affairs.
