PNN – In its latest weekly report, the BRICS media group discussed the most important political, scientific, and tourism developments in the group’s member countries.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, citing BRICS TV, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an exclusive interview with this media outlet, considered the role of BRICS to be important in shaping the Greater Eurasian Partnership. Referring to the group’s position on the global stage, he outlined its development prospects and the goals of India’s presidency in 2026. February 10 is celebrated in Russia as Diplomatic Staff Day.
In the wake of the BRICS consultations, Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met on the sidelines of the BRICS Sherpas and Deputy Sherpas Meeting in New Delhi. The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support within the BRICS framework and emphasized the progress of cooperation in the areas of connectivity and exchanges.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Abu Dhabi. The two sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, emphasizing humanitarian priorities, regional stability and long-term cooperation.
The first BRICS Sherpas and Deputy Sherpas meeting of 2026 was hosted by India in New Delhi. The participants reviewed the key agendas for the year and formally launched the preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit, which India holds for the fourth time.
In the field of science and technology, an Iranian researcher has succeeded in designing a 3D model of human heart tissue that is capable of self-contraction. This achievement will enable more precise studies of heart diseases and testing of new therapeutic methods.
Indonesia is also strengthening genomics research as part of its national health strategy to predict future diseases and increase the resilience of its public health system. Its research institutions have expanded biomedical collaborations and genetic surveillance.
In the tourism sector, Dubai hosted 19.59 million international tourists in 2025, a five percent increase over the previous year. This is the third consecutive year that the city has set a new tourism record, with more than two million people visiting in December alone.
The tourism ministers of Indonesia and South Africa also strengthened bilateral cooperation in sustainable tourism by signing a seven-point agreement. The program focuses on developing transport connectivity, upgrading skills, and jointly promoting tourism destinations.
In South America, Brazil’s Butantan Institute has begun vaccination with the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, using entirely indigenous technology. The vaccine, the first of its kind in the world, is an important step in expanding national production capacity and strengthening Brazil’s primary health care system.