"All BRICS states have got an invitation to the emergency response exercise Safe Arctic 2025. It will start in January in [the Russian city of] Arkhangelsk and will be conducted in 10 regions of Russia. As part of this exercise, expeditions are planned in the Chukotka Autonomous Area," Okhotenko said.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry will strive to maintain high level of interaction with emergency departments of other BRICS states, paying special attention to practical events, such as exercises and training in the action coordination of the command centers during emergencies, he said.
The official added that BRICS states are also invited to the exercises organized by the ministry in Noginsk, Moscow Region, scheduled for May 2025, while the Russian delegation will be expected at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
In 2025, Okhotenko said, Russia is planning to focus on the development of natural disasters’ monitoring systems, natural disaster warning systems, use of artificial intelligence and the creation of the rescue detachments which meet the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) standards, adding that Russia already has three detachments of this kind.
BRICS is an intergovernmental association created in 2006. Russia assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on January 1, 2024. The year began with the accession of new members to the association. In addition to Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, according to the website of the Russian 2024 BRICS Chairmanship.
Media reports said that Saudi Arabia has not formalized its participation yet but has been taking part in BRICS meetings.