Tehran (IP)- The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for the Iranian delegation led by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran Press/Europe: We are about to outline the key developments from the Iranian delegation's journey from Tehran to Kazan, highlighting significant discussions and implications for Iran's role within BRICS.

Departure from Tehran

On October 22, President Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation departed Tehran for Kazan. The delegation included high-ranking officials such as the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Minister of Oil, and the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for Political Affairs. This diverse group aimed to represent Iran's interests across various sectors, including economics and energy.

Arrival in Kazan

Upon arrival in Kazan on the evening of October 22, President Pezeshkian was welcomed amidst a gathering of leaders from BRICS nations and other invited countries. This summit was particularly noteworthy as it was Iran's first participation as a full member since joining BRICS in January 2024.

Key Activities on the First Day

Opening Ceremony: The summit commenced with an opening ceremony featuring a group photo of heads of state. Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed all participants, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism for global development.Initial Meetings: Following the opening remarks, leaders engaged in both limited and broad discussions on the summit's agenda. Topics included enhancing cooperation among member states, addressing regional conflicts, and improving financial interactions within BRICS.

Bilateral Talks: President Pezeshkian held bilateral meetings with leaders from key countries such as Russia, China, India, and Egypt. These discussions aimed to strengthen Iran's diplomatic ties and explore collaborative opportunities across various sectors.

The Summit Agenda

The main theme of the Kazan summit revolved around "Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security."

Key points discussed included:

Economic Cooperation: Emphasis was placed on enhancing trade relations among BRICS nations and reducing reliance on Western financial systems. The Iranian delegation highlighted recent agreements that facilitate trade with other member states.

Geopolitical Issues: Discussions included pressing regional issues such as the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated these topics reflected in the final communiqué of the summit.

Ukraine Conflict: A noteworthy aspect was the mention of Ukraine in the final declaration. While acknowledging differing national positions, leaders expressed a commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolutions.

Final Declaration

On October 23, during the concluding sessions, the leaders adopted a joint declaration summarizing their agreements. 

Key highlights included:

Commitment to Multilateralism: The declaration reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation among member states to address global challenges.Financial Collaboration: Leaders agreed on enhancing financial cooperation within BRICS to support economic growth and stability.

Efforts to establish a single currency, promote de-dollarization, utilize national currencies, and create alternatives to institutions like the International Monetary Fund—including the BRICS Bank and BRICS Payment system (designed to replace SWIFT)—are all part of this economic entity's strategy to move away from Western financial dominance. These initiatives aim to reshape global trade.

Regional Conflict Resolution: The declaration emphasized dialogue as a means to resolve regional conflicts, including those involving Ukraine and Middle Eastern tensions.Implications for IranThe Kazan summit has significant implications for Iran's economic and geopolitical landscape:Strengthened Position Within BRICS: As a new member, Iran's participation solidifies its role within a bloc that represents a substantial portion of the global GDP and population. This could enhance its influence in international affairs.

Economic Opportunities: Enhanced trade relations with fellow BRICS members could provide Iran with much-needed economic support amid ongoing sanctions from Western nations.

Geopolitical Leverage: By engaging in discussions about regional conflicts and advocating for dialogue over military solutions, Iran positions itself as a key player in promoting stability within its region.The BRICS summit in Kazan represents a crucial step for Iran under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s leadership. The discussions held during this event not only highlight Iran's commitment to multilateralism but also its strategic interests in fostering economic ties within the bloc. As global dynamics continue to shift toward multipolarity, Iran's active participation in BRICS could reshape its economic prospects and geopolitical standing in the years to come.

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BRICS Meeting in Kazan at a Glance; Confrontation of Emerging Powers

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