Meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to yield important final document - Russian deputy FM

CAPE TOWN. June 1 (Interfax) - A substantial final document will be released at the end of a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Cape Town, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

"I have positive expectations. A highly substantial, important final document has been agreed. It will be published once the ministers finalize their contacts and conduct events in all formats," Ryabkov told reporters in Cape Town when commenting on his expectations for the meeting.

"BRICS is making progress, BRICS is demonstrating its strength and relevance. It seems to be a center of gravity for the multipolar world. Many countries are showing an interest in joining BRICS, and are probably elaborating ways to become involved in both practical cooperation, which is important in itself, and political understandings and agreements that we have in this format," Ryabkov said.

"It is important that all the countries which sent their experts here and held negotiations on the final document are not just committed to BRICS, but also demonstrate their determination and clear understanding of the fact that this is one of today's primary formats and one of the main platforms that should be used for guaranteeing and ensuring national interests and sovereignty," Ryabkov said.

"All BRICS members are sovereign and independent countries. They are powers, which are fully aware of their national interests. I have no doubt that they will not yield to the speculation of opponents, and will keep working on the constructive, creative agenda," he said.