The Russian city of Kazan has welcomed the first guests to the 16th BRICS Summit, which officially began on Tuesday in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Leaders from 36 countries, including 22 heads of state or government, are attending the three-day summit along with the heads of six international organizations.
High-profile guests include former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, head of the BRICS New Development Bank, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Discussions on strengthening multilateralism, integrating new members of the bloc, and addressing regional challenges will take place at the summit.
On the margins of the Summit, President Putin will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of India, China, South Africa, Egypt, and Brazil. He will also meet with his counterparts from Turkey and Iran on the final day of the summit.
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