Sputnik Africa was live as Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow.
The Russian leader is also expected to meet with heads of leading media outlets from BRICS countries as part of the forum.
Furthermore, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, video messages from several heads of state are expected to be addressed to the forum.
The Annual Meeting of the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Business Forum is taking place on October 17-18 at the Moscow International Trade Center.
During the annual meeting on Thursday, the results of the BRICS Business Council's work for the current year were presented. Following this, the annual report will be approved.
As part of the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, a plenary session of the Forum will be held, along with a number of panel sessions: "FInancial and investment cooperation of BRICS. Challenges and prospects," "International trade and logistics connectivity of the BRICS countries," "Development of agribusiness and strengthening food security in the BRICS countries," "Sustainable energy transition and the role of technological cooperation in implementing the BRICS ESG agenda."
There will also be an award ceremony for the winners of the BRICS Solutions Awards, an international competition of best practices, and an award ceremony for the winners of the BRICS Women's Startups Competition.
The event is taking place ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan, which will take place on October 22-24.