Russia Ushers in BRICS-2024 Presidency

@Sputnik Africa: 

Russia opens the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and sous-Sherpas during its presidency of the alliance in 2024

Representatives of five new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – will also take part in the event, which is scheduled for January 30 – February 1 in Moscow.

One of the priorities of BRICS activity this year is the harmonious integration of the newcomers into the global work, Russia said.

Traditionally, the sherpas meet to:
✔️ exchange views on major international issues;
✔️ discuss urgent issues of cooperation;
✔️ prepare for upcoming events.

The Russian side is also expected to present in detail the program of its presidency, which will culminate in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit to be held in Kazan in October.

❓Expanded BRICS: What did the member countries discuss at their first meeting in Moscow?

The meeting of BRICS sherpas and sous-sherpas took place on January 30, marking the start of Russia’s rotating presidency in 2024.

Proposals:
✔️ Use national currencies in settlements between BRICS member countries (Chinese Sherpa);
✔️ Create a BRICS drug depository (Indian Sherpa);
✔️ Open a BRICS artificial intelligence center (Chinese Sherpa);
✔️ Intensify the transition to settlement in national currencies (Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister).

Other statements made at the meeting:
▪️ The countries of the global north are knocking on the door of BRICS and want to cooperate (South African Sherpa);
▪️ All BRICS members will benefit from the expansion of the group (Russian diplomacy);
▪️ BRICS will pay close attention to promoting trade in national currencies (Moscow);
▪️ BRICS diplomatic chiefs to meet in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in June (Moscow)

More at Russia’s MFA website