What to Expect From BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia

The 16th BRICS summit, taking place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24, is poised to be a pivotal event, being the first high-level meeting of the bloc since its latest expansion and showcasing the group's growing influence on the world stage.
Sputnik
The BRICS Summit in Kazan is expected to see discussions on a range of issues, from economic development and global security to the potential for new members and the bloc's role in shaping a more just and equitable world order.

Here are the key highlights of what to expect from the bloc leaders' meetings:

Expansion: The summit will be the first with the newly admitted members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, bringing the total membership to 10.
Attendance: Over 32 countries have confirmed their attendance, including 24 heads of state. All BRICS members are participating, with nine countries represented by their leaders and Saudi Arabia sending its foreign minister.
Agenda: The summit is divided into two parts. The first (October 22-23) will focus on BRICS members, centered around the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security." The second (October 23-24) will be in a "BRICS Plus/Outreach" format, centered around "BRICS and the Global South: Jointly Building a Better World."
Potential New Members: The summit will discuss potential new members, with 34 states already expressing interest in joining BRICS or becoming a BRICS partner country.
Bilateral Meetings: Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to hold over 20 bilateral meetings, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Outcomes: A joint declaration by participating nations is expected at the summit's conclusion.