ISTANBUL

China’s President Xi Jinping will travel to Russia next week to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

Xi will attend the summit of the emerging economic bloc at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a brief statement.

The Chinese president’s trip will commence on Tuesday until Thursday next week, Hua said.

The upcoming 16th summit of leaders of BRICS member states will be held between Oct. 22-24 in Kazan and will likely focus on key issues including financing, technology, food trade, and expanding the union’s membership.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend the summit.

Foreign Ministry in New Delhi said Modi will pay a two-day visit on Oct. 23-24 to attend the summit.

Hosted in the semi-autonomous Russian Republic of Tatarstan, the event is expected to draw representatives from 32 countries, including 24 state leaders, according to the Kremlin.

BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Russian President Putin previously revealed that 34 additional countries, including Türkiye, have expressed interest in joining the bloc.

Experts anticipate that the summit will place significant focus on BRICS expansion, with Russian officials noting the union’s adaptability and long-standing agenda of growth.

*Ahmad Adil contributed to the story from New Delhi