In a quiet yet meaningful diplomatic move, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two sides “aligned their positions on key issues related to the development of Russian-Thai cooperation,” including efforts to advance political dialogue, trade relations, and humanitarian exchanges (TASS, April 29, 2025).

Equally significant was their discussion on “coordination of efforts within BRICS and other international platforms,” signaling Thailand’s growing interest in engaging with emerging multipolar forums.

“A mutual exchange of views took place on current international and regional issues,” the ministry noted, adding that “the ministers agreed to continue their mutually beneficial contacts.”

The meeting comes as Russia deepens its pivot to Asia, seeking new economic and strategic partners amid sustained Western sanctions. For Thailand, it represents a subtle but strategic outreach beyond traditional alliances, with a possible eye on BRICS as a future partner.

While Thailand is not currently a BRICS member, its participation in such discussions reflects the bloc’s expanding diplomatic orbit—and Southeast Asia’s increasing relevance in global realignment.

Beyond economics and geopolitics, the inclusion of humanitarian exchanges in the talks suggests a shared interest in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.

The Lavrov-Sangiampongsa dialogue may not have dominated headlines, but it fits into a larger picture: a world steadily moving toward multipolarism, where countries like Thailand are no longer on the periphery of major global conversations.