TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to embark on a three-day official visit to Kazan, Russia, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, where key discussions on multilateralism and cooperation between emerging economies will take center stage.

The Deputy for Political Affairs of the Presidential Office, Mohammad Mehdi Sanaei, outlined the agenda for the trip in a message posted on social media today.

The summit, scheduled from October 22 to October 24, will be held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. 

President Pezeshkian will join the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the core BRICS nations, alongside representatives from approximately 30 other countries and international organizations for the BRICS Plus dialogue. 

According to Sanaei, this year’s gathering will focus on "Strengthening Multilateralism," with additional discussions under the theme of "BRICS and the Global South."

During the summit, President Pezeshkian is expected to deliver three keynote addresses, emphasizing Iran’s perspective on global economic cooperation and regional stability. His speeches will touch on key issues of multilateral engagement and the importance of fostering stronger partnerships between developing countries. Additionally, the president is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Russia, China, India, Egypt, and other participating nations to advance Iran’s diplomatic and economic relations.

Sanaei underscored the significance of Iran’s participation in this summit, particularly at a time when regional and global dynamics are rapidly shifting. "Iran’s presence is critical in articulating its global stance and enhancing regional diplomacy, especially in the face of emerging geopolitical challenges," he said.

Sanaei also praised Russia's efforts in hosting this extensive summit despite facing significant international sanctions. "By organizing a broad range of BRICS and BRICS Plus events, Russia is demonstrating its resilience and continued leadership in the global arena," he said. The Kazan summit is expected to feature more than 250 events covering diverse topics, from economic development to global governance and cooperation among emerging economies.

President Pezeshkian’s participation follows an official invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Iranian leader will depart for Kazan on Tuesday.