The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on April 28-29, 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among member countries and addressing key global and regional issues.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
Expansion of BRICS: The ministers welcomed Indonesia as a new BRICS member, along with several other nations as partner countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Commitment to Multilateralism: The statement emphasizes a strong commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security. The ministers condemned any attempts to undermine the work of global multilateral institutions.
Economic and Financial Issues:
- The ministers voiced concerns about unilateral protectionist measures that are inconsistent with WTO rules and disrupt global supply chains. They called for the defense of free trade and a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
They also underscored the importance of using local currencies in trade and financial settlements between BRICS countries and their trading partners.
Peace and Security:
The ministers expressed concern about ongoing conflicts worldwide and the increase in global military spending. They advocated for peaceful resolutions to disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, they noted proposals for mediation and good offices aimed at a peaceful resolution.
- They expressed grave concern over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, calling for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all hostages and detainees. They reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution.
- The ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to combating it.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change:
The ministers recognized climate change as an urgent challenge and reaffirmed their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
- They urged developed countries to fulfill their obligations to provide financial resources to assist developing countries in tackling climate change.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ministers emphasized that AI should be designed, developed, and used in a responsible, safe, and ethical manner. They called for strengthening international governance of AI through the United Nations system.
Future of BRICS
The ministers expressed their full support for Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. They also looked forward to the next meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers to be held on the margins of UNGA 80, hosted by India as the incoming Chair of BRICS in 2026.
