Kazakh President Takes Part in BRICS Summit
BRICS is becoming a global center of international attraction, generating practical interest from many countries, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the BRICS plenary session in an outreach/BRICS Plus format in Kazan, according to Akorda.
BRICS, originally an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was established as an economic alliance of emerging market economies. It has since expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Tokayev, BRICS unites countries from different continents, strengthening solidarity and effectively leveraging joint opportunities for the benefit of all participants.
“BRICS has both the resources and experience to build a future based on the principles of shared prosperity, mutual respect and partnership,” he said.
Tokayev highlighted that BRICS’ multilateral efforts harmoniously complement the activities of the UN, which remains an indispensable and universal structure. He added that the principles of diplomacy and dialogue outlined in the UN Charter form the foundation of the BRICS agenda, promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts and strengthening strategic stability.
Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev emphasized the nation’s expanding trade with BRICS countries, now comprising half of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade. He identified key cooperation areas, including trade and investment, IT, critical minerals, food security, education, and tourism.
He called for strengthened partnerships in transit and transport, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative, the North-South International Transport Corridor, and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Tokayev also advocated for collaborations within BRICS Plus to enhance energy security and address climate change challenges such as water shortages and rising temperatures.
In conclusion, he highlighted that the BRICS Plus format would significantly boost North-South connectivity, reduce global imbalances, enhance international security, and promote global progress. The summit brought together representatives from 36 countries and leaders from six international organizations.
During the plenary session, Tokayev engaged in brief discussions with various leaders, including Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko, and others, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on the first day of the summit.
