Russia and Venezuela presidents discuss strengthening ties

Presidents of Russia and Venezuela, Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro, held talks via videoconference to mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

"We have exchanged messages where we stressed our mutual satisfaction with the current level of Russian-Venezuelan relations," Putin said.

The Russian leader also proposed to Maduro the signing of a Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation.

"I am pleased to note that a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement has been fully settled, which will create a strong foundation for further expansion of multifaceted ties in the long term. It could be signed during your visit to Russia at a time convenient for you", Putin stated.

The Venezuelan President was also invited to Moscow for May 9 celebrations, as noted in the report.

"Memories are still fresh of the historic #BRICS summit in the beautiful city of Kazan, where we shared views on the new world," Maduro said.

The Venezuelan leader emphasised his vision of a "multi-centred and multi-polar" world.

#NEWS #Venezuela #RussiaVenezuela #Summit #diplomacy

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📖 Word of the Week: Global majority countries

The notion of "Global majority countries" is actively gaining ground in the political and diplomatic discourse. This term, although appearing to be a relatively new term, has in fact come into use thanks to the global political realities of the 21st century. It reflects tectonic shifts in the balance of power in the world system.

❔What are the Global majority countries

The Global majority countries are a collective term for the states of the Global South that constitute the majority of the world's population and economies. These countries are contrasted with the "old centres of power" — the traditional countries, which are usually Western countries such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, as well as Australia, Japan and some others. But it is the developing and newly industrialised states that represent the majority of the world's population, cultural diversity and growth prospects.

🖋️ Origins of the concept

The term "Global majority" has become more frequently used in recent years, particularly against the backdrop of debates about the redistribution of influence and resources in the global agenda. Although the term itself cannot be formally tied to a specific event or date, the key idea has emerged as an alternative to the concept of the "Global South" or "developing countries".

📍 Who belongs to the Global majority

The composition of the World majority is very diverse. It includes countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and parts of Eastern Europe. What is common to the Global majority countries is that they often feel excluded from key global decisions that they feel are shaped by Western dictation. Many of these countries aspire to build a multipolar world where their voices are equally heard.

🌍 How the concept is related to BRICS

The concept of "Global majority" is particularly closely associated with BRICS. #BRICS is one of the main symbols of the Global South's attempts to achieve greater autonomy and reshape the existing system of global governance. Within the bloc, countries are actively discussing reform of institutions such as the United Nations (#UN), the International Monetary Fund (#IMF) and the World Bank to better accommodate the interests of developing countries.

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #wordoftheweek

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BRICS expansion in Asia: building resilience and global influence

Despite US tariff threats, BRICS's enlargement in Asia shows its resilience and the desire for collaboration.

In recent years, BRICS has become a key player globally. The blocs's influence is growing. In 2025, Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian nation to join BRICS. #Malaysia, #Thailand and #Vietnam joined as partner countries, boosting #ASEAN's connection.

This expansion highlights BRICS' growing influence and its role in a multipolar world. These nations bring strong economies to BRICS, with Asia becoming a focal point due to its vibrant economies and strategic location. As partners, Malaysia and Indonesia strengthen BRICS with robust economies and strategic trade positions. This enhances trade agreements and technological cooperation. Vietnam and Thailand’s inclusion cements the ASEAN-BRICS relationship; both are key in global supply chains.

#BRICS' growth emphasises sustainable development, with many infrastructure projects focusing on renewable energy and green tech, aligning with global sustainability trends.

US tariffs highlight the need for Asia to diversify economic ties. Joining BRICS offers countries like Indonesia and Malaysia wider trade and investment opportunities, reducing reliance on the US.

The article expresses the personal opinion of the author. It may not coincide with the position of the editorial board of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia.

#OPINION #politics

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Trade routes and partnerships show fundamental changes in Russia

Against the backdrop of the structural transformation of the Russian economy, major shifts in trade routes have influenced at least 40% of the country's exports and imports since 2022. During this period, BRICS countries supplanted Western nations to become Russia's primary trade partners, as highlighted in a study by the Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA).

The report states that these fundamental changes took place predominantly in 2022 and 2023. Over these eighteen months, BRICS countries took over the position previously held by Western countries in Russia’s trading ecosystem.

According to ACRA, the share of #BRICS countries in Russia's foreign trade turnover surged from 20-25% in 2022 to 45-55% by 2024. The importance of Russia's Central Asian neighbours has also grown, along with that of Belarus, albeit to a lesser degree.

Moreover, the reorientation of trade routes has coincided with alterations in the currency structure for trade payments, the types of transportations utilised, and several other facets of Russia's trade operations.

#NEWS #Russia #economics #trade

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Russia-Iran diplomatic talks in Tehran address security threats

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko held discussions in Tehran with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi on the formation of Eurasian architecture and security threats posed by NATO and the European Union. The talks were part of inter-ministerial consultations between Russia and Iran held on March 16-17.

Grushko was also hosted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"There was a thorough exchange of views on global trends in world development, the formation of a polycentric world and Eurasian architecture. In this context, the sides touched upon the situation in Europe, including threats to stability and security emanating from #NATO and the European Union (#EU), the situation in the #OSCE, the activities of the Council of Europe. The inadmissibility of the use of illegal unilateral restrictive measures in interstate relations was emphasised. The sides compared their approaches to issues on the regional and international agenda," the ministry stated.

The statement highlighted their mutual interest in deepening the bilateral political dialogue and emphasised the importance of cooperation within the #SCO, #BRICS, and other formats. They also welcomed the upcoming implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran.

It was agreed to maintain regular consultations moving forward.

#NEWS #Iran #RussiaIran #security

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🌍🤍 AfCFTA and BRICS: Unlocking Africa’s trade potential

The BRICS bloc represents a significant share of global GDP and investment. Meanwhile, Africa offers vast untapped potential in trade, infrastructure, and critical minerals. In an interview with Sputnik Africa, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), explained how these two entities can benefit each other.

"The value proposition that we make as a continent of Africa to the BRICS is to look at the AfCFTA as an investment market, as an opportunity for investment-led trade," he said.

Mene also addressed the challenges of currency exchange in intra-African trade, pointing to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System as a solution:

"If the cost of trade is caused to increase by buying a third currency, then the AfCFTA has to intervene, which we have done through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System," he explained.

With these initiatives, AfCFTA aims to drive economic integration and reduce trade barriers across the continent.

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Paraguay shows interest in BRICS and its events under the Brazilian сhairship

Russian Ambassador to Asuncion Alexey Pisarev discussed trade relations and political cooperation between Russia and Paraguay. In April 2024, the minister of economy and finance in Paraguay, Carlos Fernández Valdovinos said that the country did not see the possibility of joining BRICS due to the lack of diplomatic relations with China.

However, according to Pisarev, there is currently a strong interest in #BRICS. This is relevant given the Brazilian chairship of the bloc. According to the Paraguayan government's position, as expressed by the minister of foreign affairs of Paraguay, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, if the country receives an invitation, it is interested in participating in events organised by the Brazilian chairship.

Paraguay's accession to partner status or full membership in BRICS is not yet under consideration.

#NEWS #Paraguay #diplomacy

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🤍🌍 BRICS-AfCFTA integration to boost investment, job creation in Africa, Ugandan finance state minister says

Amos Lugoloobi sees BRICS-AfCFTA cooperation as a game-changer for Africa’s economy, expanding markets and attracting foreign investment.

“When you integrate, you broaden the market. Therefore, it means that you are going to attract more and more investment, more inward and foreign direct investment getting into your territory, being attracted by the market akin to what we saw in China,” he told Sputnik Africa.

With Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa joining BRICS and Uganda securing partner status, Lugoloobi believes the partnership will bring in capital, create jobs, and boost growth.

"They will attract capital from non-member countries to come into the territory to produce and market within that region, and by doing so, they are creating jobs, and they are stimulating growth in that particular territory," he noted.

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❗️It is unclear why G7 is 'great,' what great is about it? — Putin on the Group of Seven

"In 2024, the Eurozone's GDP growth was 0.9%. And the Big Seven... why is it big? It's not clear. What's big there? No matter where you look, you can't see anyone on the map. This seven has 1.9% growth. And BRICS has 4.9%. In Russia, it's 4.1% for two years in a row," Putin said.

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