Russian president speaks out ahead of important annual energy forum in Moscow RIYADH: President Vladimir Putin called on Monday for a greater role for the BRICS bloc in global energy markets ahead of a significant annual energy forum this week in Russia. “It is obvious that in the new geopolitical realities, cooperation in the energy sector should serve to strengthen national economies, help solve priority social problems, and improve people’s quality of life,” he said. “It is crucial to agree on common principles for our countries in the just energy transition, and outline ways to strengthen the role of BRICS in the global energy dialogue.” Russia is the world’s largest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia. From Thursday Moscow is hosting the three-day Energy Week International Forum. Saudi delegates have attended previous forums, but it is not clear if they will do so this year. BRICS was founded in 2009 for Brazil, Russia, India and China to challenge a world order dominated by the US and Western allies. It has expanded into a geopolitical bloc that includes the UAE, Iran, Egypt, South Africa and Ethiopia. Saudi Arabia has an invitation to join, which it is considering.