Restricted-format BRICS talks begin on day 2 of summit in Russia

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Restricted-format talks of the BRICS economic group began on day two of the bloc's summit in the Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday.

The meeting chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin began with an address to BRICS leaders, including those of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who are taking part in the bloc's summit for the first time since becoming official members in January.

Among the bloc's members, only Brazil is represented at the level of foreign minister, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is unable to travel due to an injury and is participating via videoconference.

According to the Kremlin, the meeting's agenda includes an exchange of views on both global and regional issues.

The statement also said that the meeting will also discuss the three main areas of cooperation outlined by Russia's chairmanship of the group: politics and security, economics and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contacts.

"Particular attention will be paid to the issue of possible expansion of BRICS through the planned establishment of a new category of 'partner states' for the association," it added.

Arriving later today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to attend the expanded-format session of the summit as a guest, and to meet with Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

The three-day summit includes longtime members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – the source of the group’s name – along with recent additions Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.