Founded 15 years ago by the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, BRICS has since expanded and now includes South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
High-profile guests at the summit include former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, now head of the BRICS New Development Bank; Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas; and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The summit will focus on strengthening multilateralism, integrating the bloc's new members, and addressing regional challenges. It has already adopted the Kazan Declaration.
Explore Sputnik's gallery to view some highlights from the concert and informal dinner featuring the heads of BRICS delegations in the Russian city of Kazan.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping speak after the informal dinner with the BRICS heads of delegations.
© Sputnik / Alexander Kazakov/POOL
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