Kazan, Russia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at the outreach / BRICS Plus plenary meeting in Kazan.
The Head of State stressed that BRICS is becoming a global centre of international attraction, in which many countries have a practical interest in mutually beneficial cooperation.
– BRICS has enormous potential for development, uniting nations across continents, building solidarity and effectively harnessing shared opportunities for the benefit of all participants. BRICS has both the resources and experience to foster a future built on shared prosperity, mutual respect and enduring partnership, – said the President.
According to him, the multilateral efforts of the BRICS harmoniously complement the activities of the UN, which remains an indispensable and universal organization.
– The principles of diplomacy and dialogue enshrined in the UN Charter have become the basis of the BRICS agenda, contributing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and strengthening strategic stability. We highly appreciate Russia's concept of creating equal and indivisible security in Eurasia, aimed at reducing geopolitical tensions by strengthening mutual trust and cooperation. In this context, Kazakhstan supports China’s Global Security Initiative, aimed at upholding sustainable security, sovereignty, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of crises. Kazakhstan also supports the China and Brazil peace plan for Ukraine, – said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Head of State expressed his concern about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
– Jointly addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality and lack of education, in our view, remains a key factor in strengthening international political solidarity. Kazakhstan supports the reform of the UN Security Council and its expansion with new members from Africa, Latin America and Asia, – the President noted.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the voices of the Global South should be heard in addressing issues of peace and security. He added that BRICS could play a key role in this process by strengthening the representation of middle powers and emerging economies in the structure of global governance.
The Head of State then noted the dynamic growth of Kazakhstan's trade with the BRICS countries, the volume of which in 2023 made up half of the country's foreign trade turnover. Promising areas for mutually beneficial partnership, according to the speech, include trade and investment, IT technology, critical minerals, food security, education and tourism.
The speech paid special attention to strengthening cooperation in the transit and transport sphere, primarily within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).
The need for a strong BRICS Plus partnership to enhance energy security as well as to address the impacts of climate change such as water scarcity, extreme heat and desertification was noted.
In conclusion, the President stressed that joint efforts in the BRICS Plus format will make it possible to significantly enhance North-South connectivity, eliminate imbalances in the development of states, significantly strengthen international security and create conditions for global progress.
The summit is bringing together representatives from 36 countries and heads of six international organisations, with about 20 delegations represented at the highest level.
