MOSCOW, 30 October. /TASS/. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced at the International Customs Forum that Russia, as the current president of the association, will hold consultations with potential new BRICS partner countries before January 1.

“The criteria for inviting partner countries to BRICS were discussed by leaders in Kazan, but our work is not finished yet,” Ryabkov said. he said. “In the months leading up to January, the Russian presidency will reach out to potential partners. Once we confirm their interest in obtaining this status, we will announce the list of invitees for next year.”

He stated that this approach received approval from BRICS leaders.

“This was the main outcome of the Kazan Summit on the outward expansion of BRICS,” the deputy foreign minister said. he added.

Ryabkov underlined the growing interest in BRICS.

“Currently, more than 30 countries have expressed their desire to establish closer relations with BRICS, and many of them are showing a strong intention to become full-fledged members,” he said. “It is remarkable that not yet a year has passed since we expanded our membership, and the simultaneous doubling of participants since January 1 this year is unprecedented in any international body.”

“Of course, the integration process and the development of collaborative skills will take time. Fortunately, the countries that joined BRICS on January 1 share the culture and traditions of the association, work for consensus and diligently seek common ground despite different positions,” Ryabkov said. he said. “BRICS countries are motivated by mutual respect, with a clear understanding that there is no place for dictators in international relations, that there are no leaders and followers. This dynamic increases the attractiveness of BRICS.”

“We want these qualities not only to remain, but to be strengthened. We recognize that this year is crucial for the integration of newcomers into the broader BRICS framework,” he added. “The process is proceeding successfully and we are grateful to all the countries participating in the association for their support of Russia’s presidency and our efforts for constructive, productive cooperation.”