UPDATE - BRICS has unique mechanism for multilateral cooperation, says Russian foreign minister

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By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Interest in BRICS has increased as the organization offers a "truly unique mechanism for multilateral cooperation," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Saturday.

"Within its framework, fruitful cooperation has been carried out for many years between countries representing various civilizations, religions, and macroregions. The fundamental principles of equality, mutual respect, and balance of interests are fully respected," Lavrov said in a video message to attendees of the BRICS media summit in Moscow.

Lavrov emphasized that interest in BRICS is growing, with about 30 countries applying to join the association. He also noted the strengthening of media cooperation between BRICS member countries.

"In the context of the historically irreversible process of the formation of a polycentric world order, the professional work of journalists, editors, managers, and specialists in new media is especially in demand," he said.

Lavrov also highlighted the role of the media in developing interstate communication and fostering an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding among peoples.

"It is gratifying that your event is attended by the heads of leading media outlets from BRICS member countries, as well as representatives from other countries of the Global South and East, the world majority," he added.

- BRICS contributes to solving complex problems

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said BRICS cooperation helps address complex global issues.

Following Ryabkov, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioned recent US sanctions against three institutions and two individuals associated with Russian state channel RT.

"Yesterday, Russian journalists faced US aggression. They came under a real terrorist information attack, both as a corporation and in their personal capacity," Zakharova said.

Mohammed bin Abdurabbu Al Yami, chairman of the Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation News Agencies (UNA), noted improved cooperation between UNA and BRICS media organizations.

"The need for this cooperation is increasing every day, especially at a time when issues like the Palestinian crisis remain unresolved. The Palestinian issue must be addressed based on humanitarian principles. We call on BRICS countries to engage in this struggle," he said.

- BRICS media summit

The BRICS media summit, organized by Russian news agency TASS, opened in Moscow on Saturday, featuring 120 media executives from 60 outlets across 47 countries. The event was held at the International Trade Center.

Attendees included Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Bella Cherkesova, media executives, journalists, and experts.

Yusuf Ozhan, Anadolu's deputy director-general and editor-in-chief, and Al Yami opened a photo exhibition titled BRICS Family at the summit.

TASS Deputy General Director Mikhail Gusman moderated the event, and the agency's director general, Andrey Kondrashov, delivered opening remarks.

The summit focused on the role of media in BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, in fostering stability and cooperation in a multipolar world.

As the 2024 chair of BRICS, Russia hosted the event for the first time, ahead of the BRICS Heads of State Summit next month in Kazan, Russia. TASS spearheaded the media summit initiative, aiming to elevate the forum's profile and emphasize its connection to the upcoming state summit.

The decision to host the media summit in Moscow was made during a 2023 forum in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BRICS, founded in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, added South Africa in 2011. Despite several new countries joining in December 2023, the group decided to retain the name BRICS.