During a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA, the foreign ministers of BRICS countries expressed their unanimous and unwavering support for Russia's upcoming presidency within the association. Russia is set to assume the BRICS presidency starting from January 1, 2024. The statement of the ministers was released on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The ministers were notified of the preparations for Russia's forthcoming BRICS chairmanship in 2024. Brazil, India, China, and South Africa wholeheartedly endorsed Russia's leadership role within BRICS for 2024, operating under the theme 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.' Additionally, they voiced support for convening the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia," the statement outlined.
The ministers also anticipate a comprehensive gathering of BRICS foreign ministers to take place in Russia in 2024.
Furthermore, the foreign ministers delineated their respective nations' stances regarding the conflict in and around Ukraine, expressing gratitude for mediation proposals aimed at achieving a resolution.
"The ministers reaffirmed their respective national positions on the conflict in and around Ukraine, which they have previously articulated in relevant forums such as the Security Council and the UN General Assembly. They also expressed their gratitude for the mediation and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement read.
"The ministers also voiced their concern regarding the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world. They reiterated their dedication to resolving differences and disputes through peaceful dialogue and extensive consultations, emphasizing the importance of coordination and cooperation. They expressed support for all endeavors aimed at facilitating peaceful resolutions to crises. Furthermore, they stressed the necessity of upholding international humanitarian law and providing humanitarian aid in accordance with the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence outlined in UN General Assembly resolution 46/182," the statement underscored.
UN reform
The foreign ministers expressed their support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council.
"They emphasized the necessity of making the UN more democratic, representative, efficient, and effective. They advocated for increased representation of developing countries across all categories of membership in the council to enable it to address contemporary global challenges adequately. They affirmed their endorsement of the legitimate aspirations of developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including Brazil, India, and South Africa, to assume more significant roles in international affairs, particularly within the United Nations."
Furthermore, the ministers highlighted "the valuable opportunity presented by the participation of BRICS countries in the UN Security Council, including Brazil's current status as an elected member for the 2022-2023 term. They recognized this as a means to enhance the importance of their dialogue on international peace and security and to continue their collaboration in areas of mutual interest."
The Russian Foreign Ministry also underscored that the ministers acknowledged the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN in fulfilling its mandates. "They called upon BRICS countries to further collaborate in improving the UN's resourcing, administration, and budget, while upholding the role of member states as the driving force within the UN and ensuring more robust oversight and organizational strengthening," the statement stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: brics-russia2020.ru/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS