Brazil releases statement on outcome of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded in Rio de Janeiro with the participation of the BRICS member states and in an expanded format with representatives of the BRICS partner countries. The text of the final statement has been published on the official website of the Brazil's BRICS Presidency.

The 12-page document includes 62 points. In it, the Ministers outlined the priorities that will form the basis of a future declaration following the BRICS summit (6-7 July in Rio de Janeiro).

Key themes of the joint statement

BRICS – the voice of the Global South

The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in three areas: politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges. They emphasised the key role of BRICS as the voice of the Global South. The idea of reforming the United Nations, including increasing the representation of developing countries in the UN Security Council, was also supported.

Economy and finance

Ministers favoured greater use of national currencies in mutual settlements, as well as the development of their own payment platforms. The important role of the New Development Bank (NDB) was recognised as a key financing instrument for emerging economies. Its further expansion and the re-election of Dilma Rousseff as President of the NDB were supported.

Fight against terrorism

Ministers strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and, in particular, the attack in India on 22 April that killed at least 26 people. It is noted that the countries of the association intend to deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The Foreign Ministers welcomed the activities of the BRICS specialised working group and called for the finalisation and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Technology and digital security

The Foreign Ministers spoke in favour of peaceful use of space, reliable and secure ICT environment and free access to reliable information. The importance of digital literacy and agreed rules in cyberspace was also emphasised.

Sustainable development and climate

The initiatives to establish the BRICS Partnership for Land Restoration and the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty were supported. Ministers called for strengthening ties in agriculture to ensure global food security and took note of the proposal to establish a BRICS Laboratory on Trade, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development.

AI and data economy

The Leaders noted the role of Artificial Intelligence in inclusive development and expressed their intention to assist developing countries in this area. They also welcomed the work on an agreement to manage the data economy.

In addition, Ministers spoke out against cybercrime, reaffirmed the need for reform of the global financial architecture and the importance of the role of the G20. Given the recent enlargement, they emphasised the importance of institutional strengthening of BRICS, including through the creation of a common database to facilitate access to relevant documents and background information.

In conclusion, the Heads of Ministries supported Brazil's BRICS chairmanship.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a press conference on the results of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He said that the parties agreed to continue working with partner countries in various formats. In addition, the Ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening the role of the world majority in solving the key problems.

"Noted the demand for collective actions of our association in achieving the SDGs, ensuring security, and economic growth. Special attention was paid to the need to continue work on promoting the reform of monetary and financial institutions"

Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister

The Russian Foreign Minister also expressed confidence that the BRICS enlargement process will soon continue. According to him, the partner countries will be priority candidates for full membership in the group.

The Ministerial meeting was opened the day before by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

"The enlargement of BRICS has strengthened our group, enabling it to respond more effectively to contemporary challenges. Bringing together states that represent almost half of the world's population and have rich geographical and cultural diversity, BRICS is in a unique position to promote peace and stability through dialogue, development, and multilateral cooperation"

Mauro Vieira Brazilian Foreign Minister

He added that BRICS recognises the strategic and economic interests of each member, which contributes to achieving peace and sustainable development.

Photo: Flickr / Isabela Castillo / BRICS Brasil