World officials have convened in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for the second BRICS-Europe symposium, which is dedicated to advancing economic and political cooperation between BRICS nations and European countries. The two-day gathering, organized by the United Russia party and the ‘Other Ukraine’ movement in collaboration with the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences, brings together over 40 European politicians, including members of the European Parliament, along with delegations from China, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, Belarus, Algeria, Cuba, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
Lindiwe Zulu, a senior member of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), noted the importance of Africa’s participation in the initiative, describing the second meeting as an ‘important step in advancing this movement.’ She emphasized the need for unity backed by action, pledging a commitment to ‘ensure that this movement grows from strength for peace, security, and the prosperity of the African people.’ Alexei Gromyko, director of the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences, underscored the shift in global political and economic focus toward Eurasia, highlighting the rapid development of BRICS as evidence of this changing dynamic.
Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of the late French President Charles de Gaulle, served as an honorary guest at the symposium, while Germany’s Steffen Kotre, a Bundestag deputy from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, also attended, drawing political controversy at home. The forum’s emphasis on economic and social cooperation underscores its significance in shaping the future of international relations and collective efforts to strengthen collaboration between key global players.