"More than 30 countries have confirmed participation, 24 countries at the head of state level, nine countries at the head of government, ministerial level. Six international organizations, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres," Gafarov told a briefing.
The Eurasian Economic Commission, Commonwealth of Independent States, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Union State of Russia and Belarus, and New Development Bank are among the participants of the summit.
Not only the Republic of Tatarstan, but even Russia in general had not received delegations on such a scale, Gafarov said. The preparations for the summit started a year and a half ago, he added.
The BRICS summit will be held in Kazan from October 22-24.
BRICS is an intergovernmental association created in 2006. Russia assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on January 1, 2024. The year began with the accession of new members to the association. In addition to Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, according to the website of the Russian 2024 BRICS Chairmanship. Media reports said that Saudi Arabia has not formalized its participation yet but has been taking part in BRICS meetings.