Putin wants BRICS to play a greater role in the global energy dialogue

On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin called for a greater role for the BRICS group on global energy markets. Russia is looking for ways to counter Western influences.

The Energy Week International Forum will be held in Russia this week. It is also expected to host a meeting between the energy ministers of the BRICS countries.

In a letter addressed to participants and guests of the forum, Putin stated that it was "obvious" that cooperation in the energy industry would serve to improve the quality of life for people, strengthen national economies and solve social problems.

He said that the BRICS meeting would be a good opportunity to discuss ways to enhance the role of BRICS as a global energy player.

In the past, delegates from Saudi Arabia - the world's biggest oil exporter - have also attended the forum. The Saudi energy minister did not respond immediately to a query about whether Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman will attend the event.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, said last week the Kremlin will update the participants of the forum "in due time".

The informal club was formed in 2009 as a way for the members of the bloc to take on a world order that is dominated by America and its Western Allies.

Egypt, Iran and United Arab Emirates have joined the BRICS.

After the BRICS' expansion, the alliance now accounts for 42% global oil and gas resources.

Saudi Arabia is not officially a member of the BRICS. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia invited Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to attend a BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, next month. (Reporting and editing by Guy Faulconbridge; reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin)

(source: Reuters)