UN Secretary General's Visit to BRICS Summit in Kazan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has arrived in Kazan, Russia, to participate in the 16th BRICS summit, which runs from October 22 to 24. His arrival was met with a warm welcome at the Kazan International Airport by Tatarstan's State Council Chairman Farid Mukhametshin. Guterres' presence at the summit has drawn criticism from Ukraine, as the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned his decision to attend the event in Russia while declining an invitation to a Global Peace Summit in Switzerland focused on the Ukraine crisis. The Ministry expressed disappointment over his choice, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in prioritizing international engagements.
Despite the criticism from Kyiv, the UN Secretary-General's office defended his participation, emphasizing the significance of BRICS countries, which represent nearly half of the world's population, in fostering global cooperation. Deputy UN Spokesman Farhan Haq stated that Guterres' attendance at such high-profile summits is standard practice and essential for the UN's work. Experts have labeled Ukraine's reaction as
unacceptable and boorish,
reminding that Ukraine should not dictate Guterres' schedule.
The summit has garnered interest from various nations, indicating a shift in global dynamics and a failure of Western attempts to isolate Russia. During discussions in Kazan, Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to address pressing international issues, including the Middle East crisis and the situation in Ukraine. Purnima Anand, President of the International BRICS Forum, noted that Guterres' attendance underscores the growing importance of the BRICS association, even among Western nations. She described Kazan as a
safest place on earth
for the duration of the summit, which is particularly crucial amid global turbulence.
Among the prominent leaders attending the summit are Xi Jinping of China, Narendra Modi of India, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, and Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran. Attendees have been greeted with traditional Russian and Tatar cuisine, alongside cultural performances, creating a festive atmosphere. On October 22, President Putin held several bilateral meetings with various heads of state, further emphasizing Russia's role in international dialogue and refuting claims of isolation.
The Significance of the BRICS Summit
The BRICS summit serves as a platform for leaders from over 30 countries, including more than 20 heads of state, to discuss critical global and regional issues. Key topics include political and security cooperation, economic and financial collaboration, and cultural exchanges, with a strong focus on the potential expansion of the BRICS bloc. The Kremlin has reiterated that Russia remains an integral part of international discourse, countering narratives of its isolation. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, stated that it is increasingly challenging to isolate any nation, particularly one as significant as Russia in the current geopolitical landscape. The summit is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations and foster dialogue on pressing global challenges.
