MOSCOW, March 22 (RIA Novosti) – The organization of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) should turn from a limited agenda forum into a full-fledged mechanism of cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
“We propose our partners to transform BRICS from a dialogue forum, which coordinates positions on a limited number of issues into a full-fledged mechanism of strategic cooperation,” Putin said ahead of the organization’s summit in Durban, on March 26-27.
“The mechanism that will enable to seek jointly solutions for key issues in the world politics,” Putin said.
He said a joint declaration is being drafted for the summit that will touch upon the international key issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Syria as well as problems in Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East.
“We are not viewing BRICS as a geopolitical competitor to the western countries and their organizations and on the contrary we are open to discussions with all interested parties within the frames of the multipolar peace model,” the Russian president said.