(MENAFN) The second BRICS–Europe symposium convened this week in the Black Sea city of Sochi, focusing on enhancing cooperation between participating nations and the broader region.

Lindiwe Zulu, a senior figure in South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, noted that her country also took part in the first iteration of the initiative and described the second meeting as “an important step in advancing this movement.” She emphasized the forum’s relevance for Africa, stating that unity must be accompanied by tangible action, and added, “Our commitment is to ensure that this movement grows from strength for peace, security and the prosperity of the African people.”

Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of former French President Charles de Gaulle, served as the symposium’s honorary guest. The event also drew attention due to the participation of Germany’s Bundestag deputy Steffen Kotre from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, generating political controversy domestically.

Alexei Gromyko, director of the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the forum’s significance for global politics, noting that the rapid expansion of BRICS reflects “a shift in the center of gravity of global politics and economics toward Eurasia.”

Held on November 14–15, the BRICS–Europe symposium serves as a platform for economic and social collaboration. Over 40 European politicians, including members of the European Parliament, attended, alongside senior delegations from China, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, Belarus, Algeria, Cuba, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and South Africa.

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