This might be the most popular video from the summit (!) Erdoğan combing his hair!
The most recent BRICS summit was held from October 22-24, 2024 in Kazan, Russia. Here are the key highlights and outcomes:
Expansion and Attendance
- The summit marked the first gathering after BRICS expanded to include new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside the original five (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)[2].
- Leaders from 36 countries attended, including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Narendra Modi, highlighting the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia over Ukraine[1][3].
Economic Cooperation
- BRICS leaders emphasized enhancing economic ties among member nations to reduce dependency on Western economies[2].
- Discussions focused on creating alternatives to Western-dominated payment systems and increasing the use of local currencies in trade[1][5].
- The group explored the development of a new payment system as an alternative to SWIFT, allowing Russia to bypass Western sanctions[6].
Geopolitical Stance
- Putin hailed BRICS’ role as a counterbalance to the West and promoted the idea of a “multipolar world order”[2][6].
- The summit addressed global security concerns, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East[1][4].
Bilateral Meetings
- Putin met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking Guterres’ first visit to Russia in over two years[3][6].
- Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks, signaling a potential thaw in India-China relations[2][7].
Ukraine Conflict
- BRICS leaders discussed the Ukraine war, with Putin expressing openness to peace initiatives but insisting on recognition of Russian control over parts of Ukraine[4].
- Putin welcomed comments by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump about ending the conflict in Ukraine[4].
The summit highlighted BRICS’ growing influence as a bloc of developing economies seeking to reshape global governance and economic systems, while also addressing major international conflicts and promoting increased cooperation among member states.
Citations:
1. TBS News – What Happened at the BRICS Summit?
2. Jagran Josh – BRICS Summit 2024: Key Highlights and Major Outcomes
3. ABC News – Putin Presides Over BRICS Summit, Seeks to Expand Russia’s Clout
4. Al Jazeera – At BRICS Summit, Putin Welcomes Trump’s Comments on Ending Ukraine War
5. Al Jazeera – Russia’s BRICS Summit: What’s on the Agenda and Why It Matters
6. AP News – Russia, Putin Focus on BRICS Summit with China and India
7. VOA News – BRICS Meeting Highlights Geopolitical Aspirations and Rivalries with the West
8. DW – Putin Ends BRICS Summit Overshadowed by Ukraine War
The main outcomes
- Expansion of membership: The summit marked the formal inclusion of new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – expanding BRICS’s influence and economic clout[1][3].
Focus on economic cooperation: Leaders emphasized enhancing economic ties among member nations to reduce dependency on Western economies. They discussed creating alternatives to Western-dominated payment systems and increasing the use of local currencies in trade[1][2].
Geopolitical stance: Russian President Putin hailed BRICS’ role as a counterbalance to the West and promoted the idea of a “multipolar world order”[4].
Ukraine conflict discussions: BRICS leaders raised the Ukraine war with Putin, but no specific actions were agreed upon to end the conflict[2].
Middle East situation: Leaders called for an end to Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, with Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizing the need for a ceasefire[7].
Financial initiatives: The summit welcomed initiatives like the BRICS Grain Exchange and discussed the potential development of a shared currency and alternatives to Western financial institutions[1][8].
UN reform: Leaders supported comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, including the UN Security Council, to strengthen the representation of developing countries[3].
Bilateral meetings: Notable bilateral discussions occurred, including between Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a potential thaw in India-China relations[2][8].
Attendance: The summit was attended by leaders or representatives from 36 nations, highlighting the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia over Ukraine[4][7].
Future expansion: Putin mentioned that over 30 countries had expressed interest in joining BRICS, though details on the expansion process were not immediately clear[2].
Citations:
1. Jagran Josh – BRICS Summit 2024: Key Highlights and Major Outcomes
2. TBS News – What Happened at the BRICS Summit?
3. Australian Institute of International Affairs – BRICS Summit 2023: Major Outcomes and Relevance
4. ABC News – Putin Presides Over BRICS Summit, Seeks to Expand Russia’s Clout
5. AP News – Russia, Putin Focus on BRICS Summit with China and India
6. UNCTAD – High-Level Panel Discussion on BRICS Summit Outcome
7. Al Jazeera – At BRICS Summit, Putin Welcomes Trump’s Comments on Ending Ukraine War
8. VOA News – BRICS Meeting Highlights Geopolitical Aspirations and Rivalries with the West
Turkey’s Involvement
- Turkey participated in the BRICS Summit at the highest level, demonstrating its strong interest in the organization[2].
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended an extended session of BRICS leaders in Kazan, Russia[3].
Turkey has formally applied to join BRICS as a full member[4][7], and Russian Vice President Yuri Ushakov confirmed this application [5].
Turkey’s participation in the summit is seen as part of its strategy to diversify its international relations and pursue a more independent foreign policy[4][5].
The move is viewed as an extension of Turkey’s international balancing act, aiming to maintain ties with the West while exploring new partnerships[4].
Turkey’s interest in BRICS aligns with its multi-vector and balanced foreign policy approach, potentially enhancing its role as a bridge between East and West[5].
Turkey’s engagement with BRICS is seen as an opportunity to increase its exports to member countries and reduce economic vulnerabilities[5].
Citations:
1. AzerNews – Turkey’s Participation at BRICS Summit
2. BRICS Russia 2024 – Turkey to Participate at the Highest Level
3. Hindustan Times – Turkey’s Support Will Strengthen BRICS: Ex-FM on Joining
4. Foreign Policy – Turkey’s BRICS Bid: Erdogan’s Nonalignment Strategy Amid Gaza and Ukraine
5. Anadolu Agency – Türkiye’s Growing Interest in BRICS: Analysis
6. DW – Turkey’s BRICS Ambitions: Is Erdogan Risking Western Relations?
7. Bloomberg – Why Turkey, a NATO Member, Wants to Join BRICS
8. ABC News – Putin Presides Over BRICS Summit, Seeks to Expand Russia’s Clout
Putin highlights Xi and Modi’s rare meeting at BRICS summit — dawn.com
At a BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted a rare meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first formal talks in five years. The leaders discussed improving relations and managing differences.
The summit’s final communique called for a ceasefire in Gaza and denounced Israeli attacks. It also proposed developing an alternative payment system to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, though details were sparse.
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