Photos: Kazan Welcomes First BRICS Summit Guests

The Russian city of Kazan has welcomed the first guests to the 16th BRICS Summit, which officially began on Tuesday in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Leaders from 36 countries, including 22 heads of state or government, are attending the three-day summit along with the heads of six international organizations.

High-profile guests include former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff, head of the BRICS New Development Bank, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Discussions on strengthening multilateralism, integrating new members of the bloc and addressing regional challenges will take place at the summit.

The event will be hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the margins of the summit, Putin will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of India, China, South Africa, Egypt and Brazil. Putin will also meet with his counterparts from Turkiye and Iran on the final day of the summit.

Check Sputnik's photogallery to learn more.

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The welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kazan airport.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arriving to participate in the 16th BRICS summit, during a welcoming ceremony at Kazan airport.

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The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during the welcoming ceremony at Kazan airport.

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Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka Aruni Wijewardane arriving to participate in the 16th BRICS summit.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived to participate in the 16th BRICS summit, during a welcoming ceremony at the Kazan airport.

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Preparations for the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The XVI BRICS Summit will be held in Kazan on October 22-24.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who arrived to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, during the welcoming ceremony.

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali arrives for the BRICS Summit.

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Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Minister of the Economy, Finance and Minister of Oil of Venezuela, arriving to attend the 16th BRICS summit.

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Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, who arrived to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, during the welcoming ceremony.

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Kazan is preparing for the XVI BRICS Summit.

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