On January 30, 2024 local time, Coordinator of China's BRICS Affairs and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the First BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting 2024 in Moscow.

In his speech, Ma Zhaoxu made positive comments on the strong momentum of the development of the BRICS mechanism, saying that with the joint efforts of all parties, BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion of membership, significantly increased international influence and representation, and strengthened the force for world peace and justice. The concept of greater BRICS cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping is in line with the strategic positioning of BRICS and the development requirements of the times and has charted the course for BRICS cooperation. Noting that the year 2024 marks the beginning of greater BRICS cooperation, Ma Zhaoxu said China will actively support the work of Russia as the chairmanship and is ready to work with all parties to act on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, deepen and expand practical cooperation in various fields, continuously improve the building of BRICS mechanism, and promote high-quality development of BRICS cooperation.

Russia took over the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2024. The main agenda of the meeting was to exchange views on key areas of BRICS cooperation and the schedule of activities throughout the year, and officially launch the preparations?for the 16th BRICS Summit.