BRICS have opponents -- the countries of the "golden billion", who are trying to replace the system of international law based on their own selfish rules, the Russian leader said on Thrusday.
"We all support the formation of a new multipolar world order. A world order that would be truly balanced and take into account the sovereign interests of the widest possible range of states, would open up the possibility for the implementation of various development models, helping to preserve the diversity of national cultures and traditions," President Putin said at the BRICS Plus format meeting.
Here are the key statements made by President Putin during his address at the BRICS summit in South Africa:
BRICS is not competing with anyone and is not opposing itself to anyone;
BRICS stands for the world order that would be truly balanced and would take into account the interests of many countries, preserving the diversity of the peoples;
Russia is generally interested in strengthening ties with the African continent, will implement projects in various fields;
Russia will help prevent food crisis on the African continent.
Earlier in the day, the BRICS leaders adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration, which, among other things, invited six new members to the club of emerging economies: Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt and the UAE.
The final declaration also called for:
the reform of the United Nations (UN), including of the UN Secuirty Council;
peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine;
encouraging the use of national currencies in international & bilateral trade;
strengthening disarmament and non-proliferation;
resolving the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful and diplomatic means;
Finally, the BRICS nations expressed full support for Russian presidency in 2024, holding summit in Kazan.
Finally, the BRICS nations expressed full support for Russian presidency in 2024, holding summit in Kazan.