YEKATERINBURG, November 27. /TASS/. The BRICS association has become even more resilient over the past year following its enlargement, despite global instability and emerging challenges, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and BRICS Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov stated during a meeting of the association's sherpas and sous-sherpas.

"This year has undoubtedly been particularly challenging, marked by rising tensions in international relations," Ryabkov stated. "Long-standing political and economic issues have intensified, and the risk of new challenges and threats has increased. The global security and stability system that had endured for many years has continued to break down," the senior diplomat added.

"In the face of global turmoil, BRICS has remained strong and focused. Its resilience has only grown with its expansion," he emphasized, summarizing the results of Russia's BRICS chairmanship.

On January 1, 2024, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) expanded to include five countries: Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. Russia became the first chair of the extended association. Brazil will assume the chairmanship next year.