Putin applauds BRICS for ‘dictate-free’ collaboration

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the BRICS group for promoting international collaboration free from coercion, discrimination, or sanctions. In a statement addressed to attendees of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which runs from June 18 to 21, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties within the bloc.

“Together with our partners, especially through BRICS, we will continue developing a fair system of international cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit—without external pressure or restrictions,” he stated.

BRICS, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, expanded to include South Africa in 2010 and later welcomed Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. According to the IMF, BRICS now represents 40% of the global economy (based on Purchasing Power Parity) and over 40% of the world’s population.

SPIEF 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the globe, including nations from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and major international blocs such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and ASEAN.

Putin previously noted growing global interest in BRICS, citing 34 countries expressing a desire to join or cooperate with the bloc. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also described BRICS as a vital platform for aligning the goals of the "global majority," particularly among nations in the Global South and East that are pursuing equitable and collaborative development.

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