Official representative of Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova: BRICS has enormous potential

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that BRICS countries possess significant human, cultural, and intellectual potential. She mentioned this during the opening of the international forum "Russia, India, Africa: Lessons from the Past and Prospects for the Future."

"Today, we face large-scale challenges. These include overcoming poverty in certain regions and countering climate change, environmental threats, and natural disasters"

Maria Zakharova Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry

In her view, important steps to strengthen these advantages include infrastructure and logistics development, raw material processing, and the training of highly qualified specialists.

"Cooperation in the fields of economy and investment will strengthen financial ties between our countries and reduce dependence on external factors," Zakharova emphasised.

Meanwhile, the President of the "House of Africa" NGO, Odunlami Serge Fokas, shared exclusive comments with TV BRICS about the work of Russian and African entrepreneurs.

"Cooperation between African businesses and Russia is actively developing. Our entrepreneurs are very eager to work with Russian partners," he said.

According to Fokas, African countries need assistance in developing industrial technologies.

"Russia has a wealth of technologies for processing wood, as well as fruits and vegetables," he explained.

Fokas also highlighted the rapid growth of the IT sector in Africa and Russia’s successful technological developments in this field.

"Why not explore how people can exchange experiences and technologies that are already in operation?" he suggested.

The President of the Russian-Indian Friendship Society "Disha," Singh Rameshwar, spoke with TV BRICS about the value of the Russia-India partnership.

"I am very happy that our countries are friends. They have strong ties. No matter what, India remains a loyal friend of Russia, and Russia of India," he said.

Rameshwar added that many Indians come to Russia to study, start businesses, and work.

"That applies to me as well. I have been here for 42 years – Russia is my second home. Sometimes, it even feels like my first," he concluded.

The International Forum "Russia, India, Africa: Lessons from the Past and Prospects for the Future" was held in Moscow. The event brought together diplomats from BRICS and African countries, government officials, scientists, business representatives, and public organisations. Discussions focused on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and joint development.

Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry