Russian President Vladimir Putin personally invited Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to attend the BRICS summit to be held in Kazan, Russia, over Oct. 22-24, following the two Presidents’ highly successful meeting in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 2-3.
In closing the beginning of their talks today, after Mongolian President Khurelsukh greeted Putin with an honor guard Sept. 3, Putin stated: “To conclude my opening remarks, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit Kazan, Russia, where the BRICS Summit will be held later this year. This will be the first top-level event following the recent expansion of the association. I hope you will take part in the BRICS Outreach—BRICS+ format. We look forward to seeing you in Russia.” His host immediately replied, “Thank you. I accept your invitation.”
At their meeting the two Presidents had discussed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Mongolia, and exchanged views on current international and regional issues, according to the Kremlin. They also discussed economic projects. The Trans-Mongolian railroad, from Russia through Mongolia to China, binds the three countries together. Western forces were furious that Mongolia did not use an ICC “arrest warrant” to arrest Putin.
President Putin also generated a similar effect from Azerbaijan. After holding a highly successful meeting with Azeri President Ilham Aliy in Baku, on Aug. 19, which included Aliyev stating that he had earmarked $120 million to boost cargo transport between the two countries, Aliyev announced on Aug. 20 that Azerbaijan had formally applied to join the BRICS. On Aug. 29, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told APA’s Moscow correspondent in an interview, “We support Azerbaijan’s application for BRICS membership. Azerbaijan is a strong candidate. Azerbaijan’s membership will undoubtedly bring additional dynamism to the organization.”
Other nations are applying for BRICS membership, perhaps not by the same means, but for similar development reasons. On Sept. 2, Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) confirmed that Ankara had formally applied to join the BRICS. “Our President has already expressed multiple times that we wish to become a member of BRICS,” AKP spokesman Omer Celik told journalists at a press conference. “Our request in this matter is clear, and the process is proceeding within this framework.”
