São Paulo – The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa got together this Friday (26) in Rio de Janeiro to discuss aspects of the BRICS – the economic bloc their countries make up. In a media statement released at the end of the meeting, the bloc called for the observance of international law and a reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, which Brazil is bidding for a permanent seat in. “China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN,” the statement reads.
“The Ministers reaffirmed the commitment to upholding and respecting international law and to an international system in which sovereign States cooperate to maintain peace and security, advance sustainable development and ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. They underlined support for multilateralism and the central role of the UN in international affairs, and the commitment to uphold the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”.
The BRICS also “reiterated the urgent need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system, including the UN, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international organizations. The international system, according to the document, “should promote the interests of all.”
The BRICS FMs also made considerations on conflicts and the need for peaceful conflict resolution according to the principles of international law. “The Ministers expressed concerns at conflicts and situations in the Middle East and North Africa and several other regions that have significant impact at both the regional and international levels. They concurred that, irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts in those regions should be resolved according to principles of international law, dialogue and negotiations.” The statement adds that the FMs expressed “concern over the heightened tensions in the Gulf region and called for a peaceful political solution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum