Hibapress
Russia on Tuesday ruled out an expansion of the so-called BRICS group during the organization’s summit currently being held in Kazan, 800 km east of Moscow, citing differences between the member countries.
“The question of enlargement is not on the agenda. There are divergent points of view,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said on the sidelines of the summit.
The city of Kazan is hosting the 16th annual BRICS summit from October 22 to 24. This three-day conclave brings together representatives from 36 countries, as well as the leaders of six international organizations.
A joint declaration must sanction this meeting dedicated to strengthening multilateralism and resolving regional problems.
Distinguished guests include Brazilian President of the New BRICS Development Bank Dilma Rousseff and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will hold talks on Thursday with the Russian head of state focusing on issues of world news, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, according to the work agenda unveiled by the Kremlin.
Initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS grouping, whose presidency has been held by Russia since January 1, expanded from the same date with the accession of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
