Kazan, the host city of the 2024 BRICS Summit, has been filled with a strong BRICS vibe, as the summit draws close.
The capital of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan will host the 2024 BRICS Summit from Tuesday to Thursday.
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group has expanded this year to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia.
Sitting at the confluence of the rivers of the Volga and the Kazanka, Kazan has a history of more than 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Russia and East Europe.
Ahead of the summit, the city has exuded an air of expectation for the summit.
Residents have emphasized the importance of friendship, echoing sentiments of unity, mutual aid, and trust.
"Friendship is really important for the countries. The mainstream should be [friendship]. Nowadays, sometimes people forget about it," said a resident, who was with a group of children on street.
When asked about the meaning of friendship, the children said that friendship is about "helping each other and trust."
The iconic Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been bedecked with BRICS-themed embellishments, underscoring the fusion of history and modernity.
"I think it's good opportunity for BRICS countries, because the more countries we have in BRICS, the better opportunity we have to hear each other," said a resident.
"Dialogue is very important," added another.
As media gather in the city for the summit, Kazan has become a hotspot for discussions.
"I think it is a very important event. The BRICS Summit will surely solve some problems, because countries that are already in and want to join in have a growing influence on the world in politics, economics and culture," said a media professional.
The event has also excited students.
"People go to Kazan, to our city, where they meet and spend time together, and it will be so great for us," said a student at a mandarin school. In 2019, for the first time, mandarin became the fifth elective language test in Russia's college entrance exam, in addition to English, German, French and Spanish.
"And also we should be friends with each other to make the world better and to discover something," said another.
"Just like our conversation, we can learn more about each other. We can see the world from a different point of view," the first student continued.
Amidst the rich tapestry of Tatarstan's culture, Kazan's restaurants serve as hubs of cultural exchange, mirroring the fusion of BRICS ideals with local traditions and hospitality.
Kazan gears up to host 2024 BRICS Summit
