BRICS cooperation mutually beneficial, on equal footing, says expert

ST. PETERSBURG -- The BRICS countries possess immense potential to create equal and mutually beneficial partnerships, appealing to other nations to join the group, according to a Russian expert.

The BRICS' economic, agricultural and outer space achievements show that it has become a powerful instrument of cooperation among developing countries, said Irina Kokushkina, associate professor of the Department of World Economy at St. Petersburg State University, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

She emphasized how BRICS offers reliable economic and trade collaboration, independent of political pressure from individual nations.

In the current context, certain countries economically suppress nations who refuse to serve their interests, leading to "global crises and growing uncertainties in the global economic and political processes," said Kokushkina.

Nevertheless, she noted that the BRICS countries cooperate on a mutually beneficial and equal basis. She added that many other countries, who find such an approach appealing, have expressed their willingness to join the bloc.

Kokushkina believes that the international influence of the BRICS countries has been "greatly enhanced," considering them as a force that cannot be ignored in global affairs.

The collective voice of the BRICS resonates when addressing various global challenges such as climate change, trade and development issues, she added.

In addition, she noted that China, the world's second-largest economy and a crucial player on the international stage, is an exemplar of practicing mutually beneficial and equal cooperation.

China also plays a vital role within the BRICS countries in balancing and stabilizing international relations, said the Russian scholar.

She expects a further expansion of BRICS influence at the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The BRICS represents the interests of the majority of the world's countries, while certain groups catering to the interests of only a few countries are losing their geopolitical and economic influence, Kokushkina said.

"As cooperation deepens, innovative financing mechanisms are explored and South-South cooperation develops," said Kokushkina, "the influence of BRICS in shaping the international order will only increase."