TEHRAN - Ali Baqeri Kani, the Iranian deputy foreign minister for political affairs, has highlighted the significance of the BRICS group as the primary nucleus and driving force of international collective will to establish a just world and safeguard the interests of independent nations. 

The diplomat was speaking at the 15th International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2024," in the city of Kazan which is located in Russia’s Tatarstan Republic. He emphasized the pivotal role of BRICS in creating a platform for the collaboration of various regional and international actors to enhance their impact on global affairs.

Baqeri underscored the upcoming BRICS summit in the Republic of Tatarstan, scheduled during Russia's presidency over the group, as a crucial meeting aimed at fostering cooperation among member countries. He reiterated Iran and Russia's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on principles of independence and influence regionally and globally, as outlined by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. 

The Deputy Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of attracting other independent countries to engage with Iran and Russia, noting that the participation of powers like Brazil, South Africa, and India could pave the way for a world founded on mutual cooperation and justice, leading to peace, prosperity, and stability for all nations.

The BRICS group of emerging economic powers is an alliance which was initially formed in 2006 by Russia, China, India, and Brazil, and was joined four years later by South Africa. It represents 40% of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy. Iran officially became a member of the bloc in January of 2024.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Baqeri congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election and expressed hope for further growth in friendly and cooperative relations between Tehran and Moscow during Putin's new term. He highlighted Iran's active participation in the Russia-Islamic World Cooperation Summit, emphasizing efforts to enhance economic cooperation between the two sides.

The diplomat stressed the practicality and achievability of enhancing Iran-Russia relations through joint projects and multilateral initiatives. He called for leveraging common capacities to develop bilateral ties and engage other regional and global actors in advancing mutual goals through strategic planning and implementation.