By: Manoah kikekon
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| Leaders of BRICS countries |
Foreign ministers from the BRICS bloc have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in politics, security, economics, and cultural exchanges during a high-profile meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held under Brazil’s presidency, emphasized the group’s growing influence as a leading voice for the Global South.
According to a statement from Brazil’s BRICS Presidency, the ministers discussed expanding collaboration in three key areas:
Politics and security Enhancing global stability and counterterrorism efforts.
Economy and finance Promoting local currencies and independent payment systems.
Cultural and humanitarian exchanges Fostering people-to-people ties among member states.
The meeting also included representatives from BRICS partner countries, highlighting the bloc’s expanding global reach.
The ministers called for reforming the United Nations, including greater representation for developing nations in the UN Security Council. They also advocated for increased use of national currencies in trade settlements and the development of independent payment platforms to reduce reliance on Western-dominated financial systems.
The New Development Bank (NDB) was recognized as a crucial institution for emerging economies, with ministers applauding the re-election of Dilma Rousseff as its president.
The ministers highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sustainable development and pledged support for developing nations in tech advancement. They also backed efforts to regulate the global data economy through new agreements.
In a strong statement, the group condemned all forms of terrorism, specifically referencing the April 22 attack in India that killed 26 people. They vowed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and urged the adoption of a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The ministers emphasized the need for a secure digital environment, advocating for cybersecurity rules and combating cybercrime. They also stressed the importance of G20 reforms and a more inclusive global financial system.
With BRICS expanding (now including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), ministers agreed on the need for stronger institutional frameworks, including a shared database for streamlined access to key documents.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the outcomes, stating that BRICS will continue engaging with partner nations in various formats. The ministers also backed Brazil’s leadership in advancing the bloc’s agenda in 2024.
As BRICS cements its role as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions , its focus on multipolarity, economic independence, and security collaboration signals a major shift in global geopolitics.
(TV BRICS/NAN)