Sergei Ryabkov: BRICS is a unique association with a promising future

"One of the amazing aspects of BRICS is the dynamics of the process," Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Russia's Sherpa to BRICS, said at the VII BRICS Academic Forum. "Barely 10 years in, and it is already a very important, serious and influential factor in global development and problem-solving."

According to Mr Ryabkov, the BRICS association reflects the democratic nature of international relations. "BRICS is a space where no one tries to impose anything on anyone, with no rigid discipline common in political-military alliances," he said. "Any decision, any result achieved in this format stems from the merging of the different members' national interests, which do not always coincide but are always carefully considered." According to the Russian Sherpa, it is undeniable that each of the BRICS countries is unique in terms of history, its contribution to civilisation, its current dynamics and the range of problems it confronts on the international stage. "BRICS is a unique association that is sure to have a very promising future," he stressed.

The diplomat also noted the academic community's invaluable contribution to BRICS: "There can't be a lack of ideas when we have such a serious process and a group of countries that have long had well-developed agendas."

According to Mr Ryabkov, the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement of the BRICS countries represent a major contribution to the modernisation of the system of international financial relations. The Russian Sherpa added that the five countries' leaders are expected to discuss IMF reform at their upcoming meeting. "I am confident that the Ufa summit will include a very serious discussion of the issue," he said.

Mr Ryabkov also expressed confidence that the documents to be adopted at the BRICS Summit in Ufa on 8-9 July, particularly the economic cooperation strategy, will become a new milestone in the group's development and will help BRICS meet modern challenges more effectively and successfully.