El-Sisi arrived in Russia on Tuesday to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, held under the Russian auspices for 2024.

This marks Egypt's inaugural participation as a bloc member following its official accession earlier this year.

The first session was held behind closed doors – a restricted-format meeting of the 16th BRICS Summit – and included the leaders of the BRICS nations.

In his inaugural speech at the summit's first session, Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the need to achieve balance and maintain the effectiveness of BRICS, noting that the group has great political and economic potential, according to MENA.

Putin emphasized that collective efforts by member states are imperative to maintain the balance and effectiveness of the BRICS bloc, noting that today's session addresses strengthening multilateralism for equitable development and security.

Later on, El-Sisi is set to join another session – an extended-format meeting of the summit – with leaders and heads of delegations from member states in attendance, according to the summit agenda.

The second session is intended to discuss international developments and economic cooperation within BRICS and review the Kazan Declaration, which will be released at the end of the summit.

During the summit, El-Sisi is expected to present Egypt's perspective on important international and regional issues, highlighting the necessity for strengthened cooperation among BRICS member states to address urgent political and economic challenges.

The Egyptian president is set to address climate change and promote greater economic collaboration with BRICS nations. He will reaffirm Egypt's commitment to stabilizing the Middle East and preventing the escalation of regional conflicts.

On Tuesday, President El-Sisi called for promoting trade in national currencies among BRICS nations and reforming the international financial system during a meeting with Russia’s Putin on the summit’s sidelines.

 The two leaders also highlighted the need to address the escalating situation in Gaza and Lebanon, urging for an immediate ceasefire and stressing the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid to those impacted by the conflict.

Moreover, El-Sisi is scheduled to participate in the BRICS Plus Summit, which brings together BRICS member states and other influential countries, to underscore the importance of South-South cooperation.

The BRICS was formed in 2006 and initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, while South Africa joined later in 2011.

In 2023, the group increased its members to 10 countries, including Egypt.