Why the 16th summit in Kazan was the most impressive?
Author: Naim Asghari, analyst (Germany), especially for "Sangar"
The XVI BRICS summit, which was held in Kazan, became the most striking in the entire history of the organization. Vladimir Putin called it "the culmination of the Russian representation," but the significance of the summit is much broader and deeper. It is obvious that the BRICS has gained global influence, it has been noticed and heard. The organization's decisions, which are reflected in the 43-page final Kazan Declaration, will significantly affect all global processes, including the economy, the financial sector and security.
It makes no sense to list all the events of the BRICS summit in Kazan now, because the entire population of the planet was watching it. Bilateral and collective meetings and business events have become the subject of active discussion. Many decisions and dialogues have been parsed into quotes and turned into headlines for the world's tabloids.
BRICS can be loved or disliked, it can be considered a rival or even an opponent, but it can no longer be ignored, its opinion will have to be taken into account. It is obvious that trust in the work of the organization is growing.
Delegations from 35 countries and six international organizations gathered for the summit in Kazan. Even the UN is ready to cooperate with BRICS, which was confirmed by Antonio Guterres, who flew to Kazan despite pressure from Western states.
BRICS is becoming an effective tool in solving international problems, because the participating countries account for 45 percent of the world's population, and their share of global GDP in terms of purchasing power parity has reached 36.7 percent.
More than 30 countries of the world are ready to cooperate with BRICS, and a dozen and a half of them have already received the status of a partner country during the summit and this list will be replenished. The G7, G20 and other blocs operating under the dictation of the United States cannot boast of such an active growth of influence.
BRICS has become an authoritative international platform in which the principle of unification under common goals does not prevent the personal independence of all participants from being preserved. That's the main reason for international sympathy.
This year, Russia chaired the BRICS under the motto "Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security." This phrase perfectly reflects the essence of the association, which is based on justice and equality.
Even the issue of resolving the Ukrainian crisis has not become the subject of a split in the ranks of the summit participants, although it remains the most painful. The pro-Western forces hoped very much that the summit participants would disagree about the end of hostilities. However, the plan of China and Brazil has been adopted as a basis, which suits everyone interested in a peaceful settlement. Its essence is to prevent further escalation and start peace negotiations.
"It would be better, of course, based on the realities and based on what is happening on earth, to sit down at the negotiating table and conduct these negotiations," Vladimir Putin said.
"We emphasize that all States must act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness. We are pleased to note the relevant proposals for mediation and good offices designed to ensure a peaceful settlement of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," the Summit's final declaration says.
Another hot spot for discussion was the Middle East — the fighting in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, which Vladimir Putin called a "chain reaction" and brought the region to the brink of total war. All BRICS participants called for an immediate truce.
The leaders of other states also spoke about peace and stability in their speeches. Including the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. He recalled the proposal to the UN General Assembly to adopt a special resolution — "Decade for Peace Consolidation for Future Generations" and expressed hope that this initiative would receive full support. In connection with the threats of international terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, illegal trafficking in weapons and drugs, as well as other types of cross-border organized crime, the President noted that "Tajikistan has consistently advocated expanding cooperation with all international partners in combating these challenges and threats." In addition, the President of Tajikistan expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East and the escalation of conflicts that have led to numerous civilian casualties. He is convinced that any controversial issues, conflicts and disagreements can be resolved through political and diplomatic means facilitated by events such as the BRICS summit, which helped to bring countries with very different views and goals to the same table.
The text of the final declaration reflects other topics that affect the development of entire regions of the planet. Among them: the need to reform the United Nations, the IMF, the WTO and the World Bank; the unacceptability of unilateral sanctions and climate control; consolidation of efforts in the fight against terrorism and much more.
Russia's initiatives include the creation of an investment platform and the BRICS grain exchange, a common platform for precious metals and diamonds, cooperation in the field of carbon markets, and joining efforts in the development of artificial intelligence and climate control. A separate proposal concerns the creation of conditions for fair competition.
The BRICS countries are ready to further strengthen interbank communications, create independent settlement mechanisms in national currencies, and create joint investment projects.
As chairman this year, Vladimir Putin stressed that BRICS is not a closed club for selected participants, the organization is open to cooperation with any constructive forces of the planet.
