BUDAPEST, November 29. /TASS/. The flagship TV music contest Intervision, which is to be held in Russia in 2024, is likely to include participants from only seven countries, said Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russian Presidential Envoy for International Cultural Cooperation, on a working visit to Budapest.

"The optimal number of countries is only seven," he said. "If there are seven countries which we agree with, there are also seven broadcasters, television companies. We can handle this." Shvydkoy explained that such events are costly, so not all CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries may have the resources to hold them.

According to him, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan have expressed interest in the contest. "We will further negotiate with the Brazilians and South Africans. Obviously, we will start a special conversation with the Indians. But we need seven countries to get this contest going," said Shvydkoy.

The initiative for a new international popular song contest was presented at the 9th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum. Director General of Channel One Konstantin Ernst suggested holding the first contest next year. He noted that Russia expects active participation from BRICS states and suggests that all other countries join the initiative.