BRICS lawyers sign the Johannesburg Declaration on Legal Co-operation

More than two hundred legal practitioners from the BRICS countries signed a declaration that enshrines their common desire for legal co-operation. The 8th BRICS Legal Forum, organised by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), was held in Johannesburg. This is reported by African Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The event featured a plenary session and eight panel discussions on various topics such as supporting the new global economic order, tax and corporate law, intellectual property, sustainable development, investment and infrastructure projects.

In addition, representatives from other African countries were invited to the discussion. More than ten speakers from the Russian Federation took part, and the delegation was led by Sergey Stepashin, Chairman of the Association of Lawyers of Russia.

The Russian delegation included representatives of the Association's governing bodies, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, leading law schools and experts in arbitration, corporate law and intellectual property rights.

"We are witnessing a historic expansion of BRICS and a change in the global geopolitical situation. In this regard, the alliance is entering a new phase of development. We definitely support the formation of a multipolar order based on the principles of justice, diversity, mutual respect and balance of interests, as well as international law in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and the right of each state to its own model of development. After all, our countries are inherently multinational and multi-confessional," Stepashin said.

At the end of the forum, the heads of delegations came together to sign the Johannesburg Declaration.

"The Law Forum adheres to the rule of law in the BRICS countries and supports the development and growth of our societies based on justice, equality and an inclusive worldview", the declaration said.

Eunice Masipa, President of the Law Society of South Africa, which brings together members of the South African legal profession, noted the importance of South Africa's membership of BRICS.

The Forum has been held annually since 2014. The venue depends on which country chairs the association.

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