(VOVWORLD) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday canceled his trip to Russia for the BRICS summit, following medical advice to temporarily avoid long-haul flights after a head injury at home.
In a statement, the presidential office said Lula, 78, will now participate in the BRICS meeting via videoconference.
Lula's doctor, Roberto Kalil, said the President is doing well and can engage in normal activities. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates confirmed on Friday that their leaders will attend the summit in Kazan from Tuesday to Thursday.
The diplomatic forum founded 15 years ago by major emerging markets Brazil, Russia, India, and China has since expanded to include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.