By promoting the interests of developing countries at the global level, BRICS can contribute to achieving crucial goals for the Asia-Pacific, such as economic growth, freedom of trade and investment, economic and food security, thus ushering in the "Asian Century," Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told Sputnik on Friday.
"BRICS is a leading political platform that promotes the interests of developing countries at the global level. BRICS can strengthen multilateralism by making it more responsive to the needs of developing countries. In our region, we strive for economic growth, easier trade and investment, food and energy security," the diplomat said on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia's Kazan.
The world is entering a new era, an "Asian Century," in which the Asia-Pacific will become the driver of global growth, Sangiampongsa added.
"I believe that BRICS, as a group that connects emerging economies of the Asia-Pacific with Africa and Latin America, can play an important role in strengthening and further expanding the ability of the Asia-Pacific to stimulate economic growth worldwide," he said.
By applying to join BRICS, Thailand wants to become a bridge for various countries and blocs of countries that will foster cooperation needed to tackle common challenges, the minister said.
"We are ready to support and promote an enabling environment for peace and prosperity both regionally and globally," he added.
Sangiampongsa cited Thailand's geopolitical neutrality as one of its greatest advantages in economic mediation.
"We do not take sides in geopolitical rivalries. While we strive to live up to international norms and values, we also understand the challenges that developing countries are faced with," he said.
This will help Thailand contribute to a more inclusive, interconnected and harmonious global order, promoting shared peace and prosperity, Sangiampongsa concluded.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said in a statement that BRICS could become the "glue" that held countries of the Global South together.
"BRICS has to be a force for unity and solidarity among the Global South countries. BRICS can be a unifying platform to strengthen cooperation among developing countries," the statement read.
BRICS is an intergovernmental association created in 2006. Russia assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1. The year began with the accession of new members to the association - in addition to Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Russia's BRICS presidency focuses on strengthening multilateralism for fair global development and security. As part of its presidency, Russia is organizing more than 200 political, economic and social events.