Photo © IMBRICS Forum Directorate
On 19 June, within the framework of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), a meeting took place between the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS Forum (IMBRICS Forum) and representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Venezuelan delegation was represented by Ms Andrea Corao, Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs for Europe and North America; Mr William Castillo, Vice‑Minister for Anti‑Blockade Policy at the Ministry of People’s Power for Economy and Finance; and His Excellency Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Venezuela to the Russian Federation.
The Organising Committee was represented by Sergey Cheremin, Deputy Chairman of the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee, Minister of the Moscow City Government, and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow; and Alexey Naumov, Coordinator of the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee and Head of the Foreign Investments Agency.
The parties discussed Venezuela’s potential participation in the International Municipal BRICS Forum, which will take place from 29 to 31 October 2025 in Saint Petersburg. The Venezuelan delegation confirmed its intention to take an active part both in the preparation and the implementation of the event, expressing its readiness to assist in forming delegations and attracting experts. Additionally, the Venezuelan representatives emphasised their interest in developing long‑term cooperation with the Department for External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow and the Forum’s Organising Committee, and extended an invitation to the Russian side to visit their country to strengthen the partnership.
Following the meeting, agreements were reached on further cooperation. A proposal is currently being considered on granting Partner Country status to Venezuela for the IMBRICS Forum 2025.
The Partner Country status offers unique opportunities for effective representation at the Forum: participation in key events, the organisation of dedicated sessions and presentations, facilitating negotiations and agreement signings, as well as media support and a dedicated branded area.
The International Municipal BRICS Forum is the largest platform for intermunicipal and international dialogue, bringing together representatives from government, business, and the expert community from BRICS countries and the Global South. The Forum promotes the exchange of best practices for sustainable territorial development, the expansion of economic partnerships, and the strengthening of international cooperation. The contribution of countries such as Venezuela adds further dynamism to the dialogue, enriches the Forum’s agenda, and supports the formation of balanced solutions to pressing challenges in territorial development amid global uncertainties.
The Organising Committee was represented by Sergey Cheremin, Deputy Chairman of the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee, Minister of the Moscow City Government, and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow; and Alexey Naumov, Coordinator of the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee and Head of the Foreign Investments Agency.
The parties discussed Venezuela’s potential participation in the International Municipal BRICS Forum, which will take place from 29 to 31 October 2025 in Saint Petersburg. The Venezuelan delegation confirmed its intention to take an active part both in the preparation and the implementation of the event, expressing its readiness to assist in forming delegations and attracting experts. Additionally, the Venezuelan representatives emphasised their interest in developing long‑term cooperation with the Department for External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow and the Forum’s Organising Committee, and extended an invitation to the Russian side to visit their country to strengthen the partnership.
Following the meeting, agreements were reached on further cooperation. A proposal is currently being considered on granting Partner Country status to Venezuela for the IMBRICS Forum 2025.
The Partner Country status offers unique opportunities for effective representation at the Forum: participation in key events, the organisation of dedicated sessions and presentations, facilitating negotiations and agreement signings, as well as media support and a dedicated branded area.
The International Municipal BRICS Forum is the largest platform for intermunicipal and international dialogue, bringing together representatives from government, business, and the expert community from BRICS countries and the Global South. The Forum promotes the exchange of best practices for sustainable territorial development, the expansion of economic partnerships, and the strengthening of international cooperation. The contribution of countries such as Venezuela adds further dynamism to the dialogue, enriches the Forum’s agenda, and supports the formation of balanced solutions to pressing challenges in territorial development amid global uncertainties.