BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS summit in Russia next month, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as the summit aims to bolster economic ties among emerging economies, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
The BRICS summit, which will bring together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, a city in southwestern Russia. The summit represents a key opportunity for Russia to strengthen its influence and forge deeper economic connections, particularly with China.
In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, Wang Yi conveyed President Xi’s enthusiasm about participating in the summit. “President Xi is very happy to accept your invitation, and arrive in Kazan as scheduled,” Wang Yi stated.
Wang Yi said that the two leaders would engage in “further strategic discussions” during the summit. He also underscored the “strong mutual trust and deep friendship” between President Xi and President Putin.
The BRICS group, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now includes other major emerging economies such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran. This expanded coalition represents nearly half of the world’s population and serves as a platform for discussing economic cooperation and development.
The upcoming summit is seen as a strategic opportunity for Russia to enhance its economic partnerships, particularly with China. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, President Putin has sought increased support from Beijing. This has resulted in a notable surge in trade between the two countries, despite heavy economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations.
Last month, President Putin expressed optimism about the results of this growing economic and trade relationship, remarking on the positive outcomes of increased collaboration with China. During a visit to the Kremlin by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Putin highlighted the significance of their economic and trade links.
