Putin invited to BRICS summit, decision expected closer to event - Peskov

MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to the BRICS summit South Africa will host in August, yet a respective decision will be made closer to the event, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"As for the invitations, yes, indeed, they are. So to say, respective decisions will be made closer to the event. Anyway, Russia will be actively involved," Peskov told reporters in response to a question on whether the South African authorities had invited Putin to the BRICS summit.

Russia is taking part in BRICS activities, as it deems the group to be important and have increasing relevance, Peskov said. "A growing number of countries demonstrate an interest in the group's activities, so the work will go on at all levels, and Russia will continue participating at the level of experts and at the high and summit levels," he said.