With all due respect: Peskov reminded Tokayev that BRICS does not replace the UN

Russia respects Kazakhstan's position on BRICS, but this association cannot be considered as a replacement for the UN. This was announced today, October 16, by the press secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov, commenting on Astana's statement about its unwillingness to join BRICS.

"With respect to Kazakhstan," Peskov answered the question of how the Kremlin reacts to Astana's position on BRICS. — Kazakhstan is our friend, our strategic partner, our ally, we value our relations. This is the first. Therefore, of course, Kazakhstan itself decides on the format of its participation in certain organizations."

At the same time, he stressed that BRICS is not an association that is trying to replace the UN.:

"On the contrary, it is an association that complements the UN, and in no way contradicts the universal character of the UN."

Nevertheless, Moscow is waiting for Tokayev to arrive in Kazan to participate in the BRICS summit.

"In any case, the participation of the President of Kazakhstan will be a great contribution to the development of regional and international cooperation," Peskov added.

As reported by EADaily, today the adviser — press secretary of the President of Kazakhstan Berik Uali said that the republic will refrain from applying to BRICS in the foreseeable future, including taking into account the multi-stage process of considering membership. He explained that the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly spoken out in favor of the UN as a universal and non-alternative organization in which it is possible and necessary to discuss all relevant international problems, including those related to the construction of a just world order.

A summit of the BRICS countries with the participation of heads of state will be held in Kazan from October 22 to 24. Tokayev plans to speak there on October 24 at an expanded meeting of the organization in the outreach format.