The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday hosted a meeting dubbed ‘Iran and BRICS: Prospects for Partnership and Cooperation’, attended by the representatives of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and a number of foreign ambassadors to Tehran.
In an address to the meeting, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari said there exists enormous potential for cooperation between Iran and BRICS.
He noted that the unilateral cruel sanctions against Iran have prevented the country from unleashing its true potential.
Regardless of the plans for Iran’s accession to BRICS, the grouping can strengthen its role in cooperation with the other countries, Safari added.
“BRICS is among our target partners. The accumulated capabilities of the BRICS members have helped the BRICS states gain a high standing in the international community,” he said.
Describing Iran as an influential and progressive country, Safari said Tehran welcomes multilateralism.
Iran has already applied for membership in the BRICS group.
In July, the Chinese ambassador to Tehran, Chang Hua, stressed China's support for Iran's desire to become a member of BRICS.
The first BRICS Ministerial Meeting took place on September 20, 2006, following the proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a UN General Assembly Session in New York.