Interview of Russian Ambassador to Brazil Alexei Labetsky ahead of the BRICS Summit

On the eve of the BRICS Summit, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia Alexei Labetsky to Brazil gave an exclusive interview to the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

Q: How do you assess the results of the BRICS Chairship? What are the main achievements of Brazil’s BRICS Chairship, in your opinion, will be presented at the Summit?

Ambassador: We are convinced that the Brazilian Chairship as a whole is successfully conducting its "watch" in the group, the theme of which was declared "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." Russia considers the upcoming 17th BRICS Summit as an important stage in strengthening the strategic partnership, which is based on the principles of sovereign equality, enduring mutual respect and constructive interaction.

The issues of increasing the use of national currencies in mutual trade operations and the creation of a multilateral independent settlement and payment infrastructure are also actively discussed. 

Q: What will be the leitmotif of the Summit?

Ambassador: As I have already noted, Brazil's Chairship focuses on developing the interaction of the countries of the Global South and reforming global governance structures. Promoting economic integration, promoting inclusive and responsible management of AI for development, strengthening funding mechanisms to support global efforts to address climate change in coordination with the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), and strengthening the BRICS institutional framework for better governance and decision-making are also highlighted as priority areas.

Of course, an important result of cooperation within BRICS is the successful work of the New Development Bank (NDB), chaired by former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the tasks facing the BRICS to further strengthen the position of the association on the world arena?

Ambassador: The Russian part has consistently advocated expanding BRICS cooperation with the countries of the Global South, promoting progress in the development of settlement mechanisms in national currencies, which in the future should reduce the dependence of our economies on the dollar and create a financial infrastructure that is resistant to external risks.

It is important to further develop the BRICS Grain Exchange and the Geological Platform, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the food and energy security of the participating countries.

I believe that such an association as BRICS should progressively strengthen its role in the global arena as a pillar of the emerging multipolar world.

Q: What are Russia's expectations regarding the outcome of the Summit and the adoption of the joint declaration?

Ambassador: We are convinced that the final declaration will reflect key priorities in the main areas of cooperation, such as strengthening the multipolar world order, strengthening the role of BRICS as a center of influence in the global arena. Special attention will be paid to pressing issues of reforming international institutions, including the UN, which recently celebrated its 80th anniversary.

In the economic sphere, the development of the settlement mechanism is expected in national currencies, which will help reduce dependence on the dollar and strengthen the financial system of the BRICS countries, making it more sustainable to external calls. Among the key projects is the creation of the Grain Exchange and the BRICS Geological Platform aimed at ensuring food and energy security of the members of the association.

In the area of security, leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful resolution of conflicts, including the Middle East crisis and difficult situations in other regions. Particular attention will be paid to the inadmissibility of using humanitarian aid as an instrument of political pressure. In addition, Russia advocates strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and international crime.

Q: Do you think it is planned to discuss the issue of further BRICS expansion at the Summit?

Ambassador: The Russian part is in favor of using a flexible model of involvement of states interested in BRICS, in which the institutional framework of the association would remain unchanged. This year, the BRICS has formed a common opinion on the need to work on our strategic partnership and the active integration of new full-fledged members and partner states into the BRICS interaction architecture.

At the same time, it is important to note that the further expansion of the association within the framework of the two existing categories of full-fledged members and partner countries does not leave our common agenda. BRICS is committed to a constructive dialogue with all states that share the principle of sovereign equality and the foundations of interaction in the group.