BRICS countries prioritise the mutual consideration of interests and uphold democratic principles in their cooperative endeavours, said Russian President Vladimir Putin during Thursday's BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St Petersburg.
The head of state acknowledged that Russia recognizes the complexities and challenges involved in shaping a world order that accurately reflects the current state of global affairs.
Likewise, Russia, as BRICS chair aims to create conditions that promote the development of all members, and also ensure that new BRICS paricipants effectively integrate into the mechanisms of cooperation, President Putin noted.
The Russian head of state highlighted the importance of increasing the use of national currencies, stating, that the intergoventmental organisation is greatly focused on increasing the use of national currencies in trade, investment, as well as creating secure and reliable financial instruments and mechanisms for mutual settlements.
He noted that collaborative efforts have the potential to ensuring security globally.
"I am convinced that by working together, cohesively, we will be able to maximise the economic, investment, technological and human potential of our countries, strengthen the constructive influence of BRICS on global processes, make the world in which we live safer and much more harmonious," Putin added.
The Russian leader pointed out that the association represents the interests of countries from the Global South and East, noting a continuous surge of support for BRICS.
Meanwhile, Om Birla, heading the Indian delegation at the Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, underscored India's proactive role in promoting the BRICS agenda of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
BRICS Parliamentary Forum Participants
Approximately 400 emissaries from 16 countries, including Russia, are anticipated to participate in the forum scheduled for July 11 and 12, according to the Federation Council's press service.
Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council, stressed that this subject addresses today's challenges and aligns with Russia's presidency priorities. She spotlighted the country's commitment to equitable and secure development, stating that all the forum's events will revolve around this goal.
The forum will host delegations from various countries, including Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and South Africa, alongside representatives from the Interparliamentary Union and CIS Interparliamentary Assembly member states (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan).
Additionally, several meetings between the speakers of the Russian parliament's chambers and their foreign counterparts are expected to take place on the sidelines of the forum.