Russia wants separate negotiating group for BRICS at COP31 in Türkiye

Russian Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov stated that they aim for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and the Republic of South Africa) countries to form a separate group in climate negotiations at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Turkey, in Antalya.

Reşetnikov made evaluations about COP31 held in Türkiye in his interview with the Russian news agency Interfax.

Stating that BRICS countries want to strengthen cooperation in climate negotiations, Reşetnikov said, "The next step is to form a separate BRICS negotiation group within the scope of UN climate negotiations. We want BRICS countries to take a more active role in shaping global climate rules." he said.

Reminding that Russia pioneered the establishment of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Contact Group during its BRICS term presidency in 2024, Reşetnikov noted that they improved cooperation in the fields of carbon markets, scientific studies and trade.

Reşetnikov stated that they will discuss the preparations for COP32, which will be held in Ethiopia in 2027, with Ethiopian officials at the conference in Antalya.

Stating that Russia will defend the principle of technological neutrality at COP31, Reşetnikov stated that nuclear energy, natural gas and renewable energy sources can play a role in reducing emissions.

Criticizing the European Union's (EU) Border Carbon Regulation Mechanism (SKDM), Reşetnikov emphasized that climate policies should not turn into new protectionism tools in trade.

Reshetnikov added that Russia will introduce its projects in the fields of low-carbon energy, green industry, sustainable cities and adaptation to climate change at the conference in Antalya.