MOSCOW: The upcoming BRICS summit, set to take place in Kazan, Russia, is being positioned as a pivotal event that could shape the future of global affairs, overshadowing the significance of the United States presidential elections, according to Russian officials. The summit, scheduled for October 22-24, is expected to have a decisive influence on the trajectory of international relations, particularly with Russia holding the BRICS presidency for the year.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, emphasized that the world has undergone substantial changes, and the BRICS summit, rather than the U.S. elections, will determine the future course of history. “The upcoming U.S. presidential elections will not be the most important event of the year for the world community and will not determine the further course of history,” Matviyenko stated on her Telegram channel. She highlighted that the summit in Kazan will be where the vector of human devel
opment is set, with the negotiations of world leaders playing a crucial role.

Matviyenko pointed out that the growing interest and increased applications for BRICS membership demonstrate the significance of the summit, as responsible leaders of sovereign nations recognize its importance. She expressed confidence that developments in Russia will attract global attention during this period. BRICS, initially founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded to include South Africa in 2011. As of January 1, 2024, the group welcomed Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia as full members.

The significance of the BRICS summit is further underscored by its timing, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5. The summit is the main event during Russia’s yearlong presidency of BRICS, featuring over 200 events aimed at fostering collaboration among member nations.