BRICS countries agree to strengthen legal cooperation at IX BRICS Legal Forum in Moscow

The IX BRICS Legal Forum concluded in Moscow, held on 19-20 September 2024, at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. The event gathered around a thousand participants from countries such as Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. TV BRICS was the international media partner of the forum.

Jing Hanchao, Vice President of the China Law Society and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Social Development of the National People's Congress, noted that the BRICS countries' delegates reached a consensus on the need to strengthen legal cooperation within the bloc.

"Representatives from different countries held in-depth discussions on pressing legal issues facing BRICS cooperation. <…> We have jointly formulated proposals for creating effective legal mechanisms," he specified.

In his remarks, Sergey Stepashin, Chairman of the Russian Lawyers Association, announced that all proposals developed during the event would be submitted to the Russian leadership. He also highlighted that BRICS lawyers would continue to address legal matters in fields such as intellectual property, education, investments, and other sectors.

Moreover, Kumar Prashant, President of the Bar Association of India, explained that the meeting established priority areas for future collaboration.

"We have together developed a solid roadmap to advance our ideas, some of which were suggested by representatives of the new member countries," he said.

The forum included over 15 thematic discussions, culminating in the signing of the Second Moscow Declaration, which formalised the plans for further legal cooperation. Additionally, it was decided that the next forum would be held in Brazil in 2025.

The BRICS Legal Forum has been held annually since 2014 and serves as a vital platform for exchanging experience and best legal practices among BRICS countries. This year's event was organised by the Russian Lawyers Association, MGIMO, and Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL).

Photo: MGIMO, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs