Lavrov Affirms Commitment to Enhancing International Trade Platform at BRICS Meeting8

The transition to a new world order will span a significant historical epoch and is bound to encounter challenges. The United States is attempting to impede the emergence of multipolarity by leveraging trade as a "tool of blackmail", Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed at the BRICS Foreign Minister's meeting held in Nizhny Novgorod, on Monday.

Recent global developments have unveiled the true intentions of those who once asserted an almost sole authority in defining supposed universal values, often cloaked under the pretext of a rules-based system, he added.

During the welcoming address, Lavrov underscored that BRICS is propelled by forces of transformation, indicating that its influence in global affairs will persistently expand.

"BRICS is driven forward by the winds of change: its role in global processes will only continue to grow," he noted.

Lavrov highlighted that efforts are underway to enhance the global financial system, particularly focusing on establishing a platform for international trade.

"We are working on improving the international financial system, specifically on creating a platform for international trade," the Russian foreign minister underscored.

Meanwhile, Russia assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on 1 January 2024.

The two-day event chaired by Russian Foreign Minister precedes the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for October. Additionally, as part of the official event, there will be a separate session involving several nations from the Global South and East.

"During the upcoming meetings, the parties plan to discuss current issues of international relations, international agenda, improvement of the global governance system with emphasis on strengthening the role of developing countries, conflict resolution, and interaction in leading multilateral platforms," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

The outcome of the foreign ministers’ meeting will contribute to the agenda of the 16th BRICS Summit, slated to convene in Kazan in October, which marks the first gathering of foreign ministers since the expansion of the group in 2023. The association now comprises 10 full members, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining last year.

Meantime, India's Ministry of External Affairs recently emphasized the significance of BRICS as a platform, expressing the state's anticipation for its engagement in the events hosted by Russia during its tenure as BRICS chair this year.

"We have been consistently saying that BRICS is an important platform for us and we look forward to our participation in the meetings that will be organized by Russia as chair of BRICS this year," MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly press briefing last month.

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