TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club(YJC)-Russia took over this year’s rotating presidency of BRICS on Monday. It is planning to hold the 12th BRICS summit in Saint Petersburg in July.
“China will fully support the preparation work of Russia as the president, keep close cooperation with Russia and other BRICS countries and promote the full success of the Saint Petersburg meeting.” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.
He said Beijing “is looking forward to new progress and fruits under the BRICS cooperation in 'the Year of Russia.'”
“China also expects the BRICS countries to play a greater role in jointly safeguarding world peace and development.”
Moscow is planning to carry out about 150 activities at various levels during its chairmanship.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the bloc will remain central for the member countries and will continue to protect the values of multilateralism.
The group, which also includes Brazil, India, and South Africa, collectively represent more than 40 percent of the world by population.