Turkey can make an important contribution to the development of BRICS — Lavrov – Russian politics and diplomacy

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Turkey is capable of making a significant contribution to the development of the BRICS group of nations; its membership parameters will be determined by consensus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview Hurriyet newspaper.

“We welcome Turkey’s interest in strengthening ties with BRICS. This reflects the call of the group which is based on respect for the UN Charter, openness, pragmatism and non-targeting against third parties,” he said.

“During the summit in Kazan, a decision was made to strengthen the current composition of BRICS by including partner countries in the group. I am confident that Turkey can make a significant contribution to the continued development of BRICS. The parameters of Turkey’s participation in the group will be determined by consensus, respecting the sovereign choices of all BRICS countries and Turkey itself,” Lavrov added.

He went on to say that Russia supports “expanding BRICS relations with the countries of the global majority, especially those committed to supporting multilateral approaches, pursuing a sovereign foreign policy and refraining from participating in unilateral sanctions.”

The 16th BRICS Summit, which has become a key event of Russia’s presidency in the association, was held in Kazan on October 22-24. On the second day of the event, its participants adopted the Kazan Declaration, focusing on the group’s development, global issues and the need to resolve regional crises, including in Ukraine and the Middle East.