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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address at the 5th International Municipal BRICS+ Forum, November 10, 2023

10 November 2023 14:30
2275-10-11-2023

Greetings to the organisers and participants of the 5th International Municipal BRICS+ Forum.

In recent years, this format has gained a reputation as a popular platform for building cooperation between regional and municipal officials, for promoting international links and establishing mutually beneficial contacts between the business communities of the dynamically developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The topic of this year's forum, related to the global transformation at the nexus of the past and the future, sounds quite relevant. We all are witnessing tectonic shifts on the international stage as a more just multi-polar world order is taking shape before our eyes. As one of its distinctive features, a growing number of countries in the Global South and East are striving to strengthen their sovereignty and identity, and to take an independent course in foreign policy while drawing upon inherent national interests.

A high surge in interest in BRICS came as a natural result of these approaches, leading to the historic decision to invite six new members to the organisation starting January 1, 2024. Quite a few countries wish to join BRICS in the future or intend to develop targeted cooperation with the organisation through dialogue. The Russian Federation is taking the BRICS Chairmanship next year. We are committed to productive and active work to reinforce our strategic partnership across all fields.

Colleagues,

This event offers quite a busy agenda. You will be discussing a broad range of issues, including the prospects for investment cooperation, developing industrial production, science and new technology, environmental issues, sustainable development of territories, tourism and digitisation.

I am certain that as always, forum participants will enjoy a friendly and businesslike atmosphere, establish useful contacts and initiate promising joint projects. The forum's cultural programme will be a good opportunity for our guests to learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of St Petersburg, the northern capital of Russia.

I wish you productive discussions.