Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has declared the BRICS group of emerging economies as pivotal in fostering a global order rooted in justice and serving the interests of independent nations. Speaking at a meeting on Iran-Russia relations on Friday, he emphasized BRICS as the "core and engine" of efforts to create a just world and protect the interests of sovereign countries.

Bagheri Kani, attending the 15th International Economic Forum "Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" in Kazan, Tatarstan, noted that Iran and Russia are committed to leveraging BRICS' capabilities to establish a just world order. He highlighted that the collaboration within BRICS could pave the way for other regional and international actors to contribute more effectively to global relations.

Iran officially joined BRICS at the start of 2024, alongside Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of the group initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This bloc represents about 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world’s GDP.

Bagheri Kani also expressed congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his reelection victory and conveyed hopes for strengthening Iran-Russia relations in all areas, both regionally and internationally. He underscored Iran's active role in the Russia-Islamic World Economic Forum and its commitment to overcoming obstacles to enhanced cooperation.

Amid growing Iran-Russia relations, Bagheri Kani stressed the importance of converting shared capacities into multilateral projects to further boost mutual ties and engage regional and international partners. He reiterated Iran and Russia's determination to foster bilateral cooperation in various sectors, aiming to establish justice-based relations among independent countries.