In a briefing about recent diplomatic engagements, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed that a conversation took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Celso Amorim, Brazil’s Presidential International Relations Advisor. The discussion, according to Peskov, confirmed that the Brazilian side, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has extended and reiterated an invitation for a state visit to Russia. Peskov emphasized the sincerity of the exchange, stating, “There was such a conversation.” He further noted that during the meeting the Brazilian side renewed and approved the invitation to travel to Russia. (Source: Kremlin press services, translated briefing)
Concurrent with these political exchanges, Putin signed an official decree authorizing a BRICS summit to be held in 2024 in Kazan, Russia. The decree also established an organizing committee to oversee the presidency of the BRICS bloc for that year, with Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Ushakov appointed as the head of the committee. This move signals Moscow’s intent to coordinate BRICS activities and to host leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on Russian soil. (Source: presidential decree and official announcements)
Historically, BRICS emerged from a growing collaboration among Brazil, Russia, India, and China, originally forming the BRIC grouping in 2006. The addition of South Africa in 2011 transformed the alliance into BRICS, broadening its geographic and economic representation. Since then, the bloc has pursued a shared agenda on development finance, trade, and geopolitical coordination, while exploring mechanisms to enhance the voice of emerging economies on the global stage. South Africa has held the chair on multiple occasions, reflecting the bloc’s rotating leadership structure and its ongoing expansion of influence in international affairs. (Background context on BRICS formation and leadership)
Looking ahead, the timeline suggests continued emphasis on BRICS summits, with participants signaling a focus on strategic cooperation across energy, infrastructure, digital economy, and multilateral governance. The 2024 Kazan gathering is framed within Russia’s broader plan to advance BRICS objectives and to coordinate a common stance on issues affecting member states and partner economies. Analysts and observers often track these summits for hints about trade policies, investment pledges, and new collaboration programs that might shape regional and global markets in North America and beyond. (Contextual analysis and implications)