BRICS leaders discuss prospects for cooperation within the XII Summit of the Five

Almost a third of the planet's territory and almost half of the world's population. The BRICS countries have been together for many years, but this is the first time the G5 Summit is being held in an unusual format. The leaders of the countries met online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became one of the main topics of the event. Russian President Vladimir Putin is confident that the work of the New Development Bank is in high demand in the new reality. They have $ 10 billion reserved to combat the pandemic. The portfolio of investment projects is twice as large.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: “62 major projects are already being implemented in the BRICS countries. By the way, a regional branch of the New Development Bank will soon open in Moscow, which will deal with credit programs throughout the Eurasian space. I would also like to remind you that the BRICS countries have a special insurance tool in case of a crisis in the financial markets – a pool of conditional foreign exchange reserves worth $ 100 billion”.

There is cooperation in all areas, especially in the fields of science, technology and innovation, ecology and economics. At the same time, the G5 is focused not only on development within the Association. The group members advocate large-scale international cooperation with other states, organizations, and integration structures, in particular, in the format of “BRICS Plus”.

Xi Jinping, President of China: “We will not close our doors to the world; on the contrary, we will welcome the world with an open heart. We are ready to be integrated into the global market and will also further deepen international cooperation. In this way, we can create opportunities and space for economic growth and economic recovery. We are all in the same boat, and when the wind is strong and the waves are huge, we must keep our course in mind, we must be resolute in order to overcome the waves at sea and get together into a bright future”.

Respect for the Charter and values of the UN, and the principles of international law are at the forefront. But the new era requires new approaches. The crisis of the multilateral system raises the question of the effectiveness of the global institutions. According to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, reforms are needed.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: “India believes that the UN Security Council should be reformed, it is necessary. We count on the support of our BRICS partners on this issue. In addition to the United Nations, there are some other global institutions that do not function in accordance with modern realities. Reforms of such institutions as WTO, IMF and WHO are also needed”.

Issues of world order and security are also more relevant than ever. The BRICS countries do not support interference in internal affairs or unilateral sanctions. Together, the leaders of the Association stand against the threat of terrorism. Countries that help terror must be held accountable. The group's counter- terrorism strategy was updated to the 12th BRICS summit. Cooperation in the field of international security, the fight against corruption and drugs is expanding.

Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil: “We can also share information about potential threats to our security and the stability of our countries. Brazil also values the adoption of the BRICS counter-terrorism strategy. We would like to come to a future without this threat. We know that terrorism goes hand in hand with the illicit drug trade in various regions of the world”.

In this difficult time, they are ready to share with each other: Russia – achievements in the development of a coronavirus vaccine; China – knowledge in the field of traditional medicine; Brazil – a new tracking technology that will help prevent illegal logging; India wants to contribute to global production chains; South Africa invites you to the African free trade zone, which will open next year. BRICS is now an example for the entire planet. Mutual understanding and support regardless of distance, mentality, state system and religion.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa: “For emerging economies already facing challenges of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment, the pandemic has taken an even greater toll. As BRICS countries, we are called upon to unite, to demonstrate our collective will and to provide leadership. This pandemic has taught us the necessity of strengthening health systems and being prepared for future emergencies of this nature and scale”.

In the year of its Chairmanship, Russia, despite the pandemic and its consequences, managed to carry out 130 different activities. The summit is the main one. It was held on the birthday of the President of the Republic of South Africa. Perhaps next year, colleagues of the G5 will be able to congratulate Cyril Ramaphosa in person-to hold a meeting of the leaders of the countries off line. A return to normal life is now expected not only within the Association, but also across the globe. To make this happen as quickly as possible, every BRICS country is ready to do its best.

Ksenia Komissarova, TV BRICS