The BRICS emerging economies have adopted a joint communique that calls for the elimination of unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, that are contrary to international law.

The BRICS leaders met in the central Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday. It was the first general meeting since the bloc extended its membership to countries including Egypt and Iran.

Leaders discussed the theme of "Strengthening multilateralism for just global development and security" and adopted the Kazan Declaration.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said more than 30 countries have expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the BRICS economies.

He expressed hope that the BRICS countries will increase their influence in emerging markets, including the group of nations known as the Global South.

He said people are witnessing the "dynamic development of BRICS, strengthening its authority and influence in world affairs."

The declaration endorses establishing a "partner country" category to strengthen cooperation between BRICS and other economies.

It also condemns economic sanctions and other forms of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law and calls for their elimination, apparently referring to the Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

China and Brazil jointly proposed a peace plan for Ukraine in May. The declaration says the BRICS nations "note with appreciation" proposals of mediation aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.