MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. BRICS is not against the West or anyone else, as the association is aimed at advancing the interests of its member states, President Vladimir Putin said at the combined Q&A session and year-end press conference.

"You mentioned that BRICS is being developed as a tool to counter the West," Putin said, referring to a journalist’s question, adding that "this is not true."

"We are not working against anyone; we are working in our own interests and those of the member states. BRICS is not about building a confrontational agenda," the Russian leader emphasized.

Putin highlighted the rapid development of BRICS, emphasizing that many countries are looking at its growth with keen interest.

According to him, this interest stems from the organization being rooted in reciprocity and mutual respect, with all decisions made by consensus. "There are no small or big states, no more or less developed countries. BRICS is an association of shared interests. Our common goal is development. We focus on utilizing available tools and creating new ones to drive economic growth and restructure economies to align with the future needs of humanity," Putin explained.

"The BRICS countries and the organization as a whole aim to spearhead forward movement. This is how we operate," he added.