Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken about Russia's economic situation as he appeared through a video link at the BRICS summit.
He says that Russia is among the five most economically powerful countries in the world, despite the "pessimistic views" of Western experts.
The Russian leader says that "there is instability in the financial, energy and other markets, and that state and private debts are increasing."
He called on BRICS partners to cooperate on equal terms while saying that Russia remains and will be a reliable food supplier for Africa.
"We cooperate on the principles of equality, partnership support, respect for each other's interests, and this is the essence of the future-oriented strategic course of our association, a course that fulfills the aspirations of the main part of the world community, the so-called majority global", asserted the Russian president.
BRICS members represent more than 40 percent of the world's population. The summit is expected to discuss the addition of new members. /Telegraph/
