China has taken the lead in proposing to the five BRICS member-nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) that the grouping should be expanded. That topic was taken up at the just-concluded BRICS Summit in China, and now the Russian government has moved strongly in that direction as well. Speaking to reporters on June 28 after a meeting of foreign ministers of Caspian states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said:
“Argentina and Iran are deserving and respected candidates [to join the BRICS], as are a number of other countries mentioned in the discussions. … The important thing is that the preparation process has been launched. The main criteria will be whether the new members would make the group more effective and ensure practical results from its work.” (https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/1819810/)
In that context, it’s noteworthy that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonoro on June 28, as had been agreed at the recent BRICS Summit. According to the Kremlin read-out, they discussed “global food security. The President of Russia gave a detailed assessment of the causes of the difficult situation on the world market of agricultural produce and fertilizers. The importance of restoring the architecture of free trade in foodstuffs and fertilizers, which was collapsed by Western sanctions, was emphasized.”
Most significantly, Putin reiterated that Russia would “ensure uninterrupted supplies of Russian fertilizers to Brazilian farmers,” which is of critical importance to Brazil. The Kremlin readout added: “The parties confirmed their mutual intention to consistently strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, including the further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, including agriculture and energy.”
Note that Brazil assumes the rotating presidency at the UN Security Council starting on July 1. (http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/68714)
