Kazan: The recent BRICS summit held in Kazan has been heralded as a diplomatic success for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as noted by French media outlets. The summit, which brought together leaders from 20 states, highlighted Russia's ability to convene a significant international forum despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to Burkina Information Agency, the French magazine L'Express praised Putin for assembling leaders from BRICS nations and allied countries, which together represent approximately half of the global population and a third of the world's GDP. This gathering marks a notable achievement for Russia, given the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions imposed over the past two years. L'Humanité further commented on the summit's implications, emphasizing the shift towards an international order that excludes Western influence. The summit in Kazan was the first to feature ten member countries, including new additions such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia , and Iran. The participation of additional nations like Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and others underscored the increasing willingness of Southern countries to engage independently of Western powers. The Kazan summit, a pivotal event during Russia's chairmanship of BRICS, took place from October 22 to 24. It marked the inclusion of four new member states, reflecting the bloc's expansion since its inception in 2006. The leaders convened to discuss the development of the association and address global issues, culminating in the adoption of the Kazan Declaration. This document outlines BRICS' stance on international challenges, including regional crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. Source: Burkina Information Agency