In a remarkable display of international collaboration and dedication to sustainable development, the BRICS+ Forum in Sochi has officially opened its doors. This forum, which operates in the innovative, creative, and sustainable spirit, extends beyond the traditional BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, inviting experts from 15 countries to engage in discussions on topics ranging from ecology to tourism.
With a primary focus on the Middle East, the forum has attracted esteemed guests, including the Ambassador of Bahrain and representatives from the United Arab Emirates. This emphasis on the Middle East reflects a commitment to expanding global cooperation in the region and nurturing relationships that will have a positive impact on economic, environmental, and social fronts.
A significant milestone achieved at the forum is the agreement involving one of Russia's prominent tour operators, which will embark on the development of new tourism routes tailored for visitors from Middle Eastern countries. This initiative underscores a shared belief that the Middle East represents a promising market for Russian tourism. As part of these efforts, next year will witness the simplification of visa procedures through the introduction of electronic visas, further facilitating cross-border travel and enhancing tourism flows.
Pavel Rudanovskiy, the founder of the BRICS+ Forum, expressed his optimism regarding the forthcoming influx of Middle Eastern visitors to Russia. He noted, "We are eagerly awaiting guests from the Middle East in Russia. They are just beginning to discover Russia, and next year, visas will be abolished, electronic visas will be introduced, which will simplify relations between countries and boost tourism."
The BRICS+ Forum has introduced a novel format for convening business representatives from emerging economies, uniting nations with a shared goal of driving positive change on a global scale. This innovative approach builds upon the term "BRICS," originally coined by British economist Jim O'Neil in the early 2000s to refer to the world's five fastest-growing economies at that time. Over the years, this informal association has evolved into an organization that regularly conducts summits involving heads of state.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of this year's BRICS summit from the summer to the autumn, reflecting the organization's commitment to the health and safety of its participants and the resilience of its mission. Despite these challenges, the BRICS+ Forum in Sochi demonstrates that the spirit of international cooperation and the pursuit of sustainable development remain strong.
As experts from various countries come together to discuss ecological concerns, tourism, and the promising future of Middle Eastern tourism in Russia, the forum underscores the importance of fostering environmentally conscious economic growth, cultural exchange, and social responsibility. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of international interaction and cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing a more innovative, creative, and sustainable world.