Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the 18th BRICS Summit in India as an important opportunity to expand economic, trade, industrial and scientific cooperation among member states while strengthening multilateralism in international relations.
Speaking before departing for India, President Pezeshkian said BRICS provides an important platform for dialogue with major countries. He highlighted the participation of China, Russia, Brazil, India and other regional countries as an opportunity for bilateral and multilateral consultations.
The Iranian president said the grouping currently has 21 members, including 11 full members and 10 official partners known as BRICS Plus. President Pezeshkian noted, BRICS members account for more than 45 percent of the world's population and approximately 35 percent of global territory, giving the bloc considerable potential across different sectors.
The president said one of BRICS' main objectives is to counter unilateralism and enable countries to preserve their independence while expanding commercial relations.
He added that this year's summit is centered on solidarity, sustainability, resilience and innovation. These principles, he said, can support cooperation and exchanges among members in economic, financial, industrial, scientific and trade sectors.
President Pezeshkian also pointed to BRICS' financial mechanisms, including the New Development Bank, saying the institution can facilitate investment and joint projects among member states.
He stressed the importance of reducing dependence on the US dollar in economic transactions, arguing that use of alternative mechanisms could help promote economic and regional development while strengthening countries' ability to resist unilateral pressure.
Regarding Iran-India relations, President Pezeshkian said the two countries have longstanding ties, shared cultural heritage and potential for broader cooperation. He expressed hope that cooperation in cultural, economic and social fields could be expanded.
The president said his participation in the summit would provide opportunities for discussions with officials from different countries, both in sessions and bilateral meetings.
President Pezeshkian acknowledged the complexity of global economy and said addressing the influence that some powers have established over international affairs requires new approaches and greater innovation. He expressed hope that Iran's participation in the BRICS summit would produce positive outcomes for the country.