Iran FM leaves Tehran to attend BRICS ministerial meeting
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian leaves Tehran to attend an upcoming meeting by the top diplomats of the powerful group of the world’s emerging economies, known as BRICS.
The official announced his departure for the South African capital of Cape Town, where the meeting is expected to take place, on Twitter on Wednesday.
The BRICS group consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Iran is among more than a dozen countries that seek membership of the bloc and has submitted a formal application to join the body.
Russia and China have welcomed Iran's application and the group's expansion to include international powerhouses.
Last June, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the process of the group's expansion "has been launched," adding, "The main criterion here will be to ensure further effectiveness and increase the practical impact of the bloc’s work."
Also last year, President Ebrahim Raeisi addressed the BRICS Business Forum’s virtual summit at China’s invitation, saying the Islamic Republic could serve as a "sustainable partner" connecting the BRICS to energy chokepoints and major markets around the globe given the country's unique geopolitical and geo-economic position.
Amir-Abdollahian said BRICS' countries hosted around a half of the world's population besides representing one-fifth of the global economy.
"Active presence in international societies is among the [Iranian] government's balanced foreign policy steps," he stated.
MG
