Serbian president skips BRICS summit, citing challenges in visiting Russia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić explained his decision not to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, citing prior commitments with several European leaders.

Vučić had previously scheduled meetings with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

He added that even without these meetings, it would have been difficult for him to travel to Russia.

"I was honest with President [Vladimir] Putin and told him: President, even without these visits, it would have been very hard for me to come due to various reasons, which you know and, I believe, understand regarding Serbia," Vučić explained.

He also reminded that Serbia has not joined the European sanctions against Russia.

Meanwhile, the United States does not view BRICS as a threat. John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator at the US National Security Council, stated in a press briefing that BRICS nations are free to make their own decisions on partnerships.

"We do not see BRICS as a threat. These countries can decide with whom they want to cooperate and how they want to be economically connected," Kirby said, emphasising that countries have the sovereignty to form alliances as they see fit.

The 16th BRICS summit, a key event under Russia’s chairmanship, will be held in Kazan from October 22 to 24. Delegates from over 30 countries are expected to attend.

According to Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, the Middle East will be a central topic of discussion at the summit’s BRICS Plus/Outreach format. Ushakov highlighted that the deteriorating situation in the Middle East will receive special attention, with leaders focusing on global security and regional conflicts.

He further noted that the BRICS Plus/Outreach session will be lengthy and continue over a working lunch, where discussions among delegations will persist.

Additionally, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced opposition to Venezuela's closer ties with BRICS. According to Brazil's Globo media, Lula criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government for violating international obligations, including the failure to hold free and transparent presidential elections recently.

Lula da Silva’s office announced that he would not attend the BRICS summit in Kazan due to health concerns, as doctors advised him against long-distance travel. However, the Brazilian leader will participate via videoconference.

By Khagan Isayev