President Putin Leading BRICS and CIS This Year: "Strengthening Multilateralism"

Statement Released on the Kremlin Website on the 1st
"Operating on the Theme of Fair Global Development and Security"

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on the 1st that he plans to lead BRICS with the goal of expanding multilateralism. BRICS refers to the five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Russia became the BRICS chair country this year.

In a statement released through the Kremlin website on the same day, President Putin said, "We will operate BRICS under the theme of strengthening multilateralism for fair global development and security."

A soldier (right) who distinguished himself in the Ukraine war is receiving the title of "Hero of Russia" along with the Gold Star medal from Russian President Vladimir Putin at the "Day of the Hero of the Fatherland" event held at the Kremlin on December 28, 2023. 2023.12.28
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He stated, "Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia have joined BRICS as new full members, and 36 countries are ready to participate in BRICS in some form," adding, "We will continue efforts to strengthen cooperation in three main areas: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and humanitarian contacts."

He also said that he would contribute to ensuring energy and food security, developing BRICS' role in the international monetary system, and implementing plans to expand the use of national currencies in mutual trade.

On the same day, Russia also announced that it will take on the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Kremlin stated that it will pay special attention to strengthening the positive image of the CIS on the international stage and adapting to the new structure of the multipolar world order. The CIS is an organization made up of some countries that were part of the former Soviet Union. In the statement, Putin added, "We will also promote the development of relations with external organizations such as the CIS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.