Maria Zakharova: Russia respects Turkish aspirations to join BRICS

During a weekly briefing, the Russian Foreign Ministry speaker Maria Zakharova welcomed the Turkish intention to join BRICS, answering a question about the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the Russian Federation on June 10–11.

"Russia respects the sovereign aspirations of Türkiye (and all other states) and its interest in building systemic interaction with BRICS. The association is objectively gaining more credibility. This structure is attracting an increasing number of people who share common interests. They share a common desire to form more just and equitable, comprehensive architecture of international cooperation", she said.

The diplomat expressed satisfaction with Hakan Fidan's trip to the Russian Federation. "The visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister to the Russian Federation was eventful and fruitful. Meetings were held with the political leadership of Russia, colleagues from ministries and departments. The guest was received by the President of the Russian Federation", Maria Zakharova said.

She also spoke about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's negotiations with Fidan.

"Negotiations between the Foreign Ministries of Russia and Türkiye took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Current aspects of the international agenda were touched upon: the Middle East, the situation in North Africa, the Transcaucasus, and the Black Sea region. Of course, topical bilateral issues were also discussed. The parties touched upon trade and economic interaction too", the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

In addition to this, Hakan Fidan participated in one of the BRICS events along with other ministers. "On June 11, in Nizhny Novgorod, he joined an extended session within the framework of the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers with the participation of the heads of foreign affairs departments of the states of the global South and East and countries presiding over regional cooperation formats", Maria Zakharova concluded.