In his opening speech, Brazilian FM Vieira recalled the ‘devastating’ situation in Palestine.

On Monday, the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers began in Rio de Janeiro with a call from Brazil to strengthen “preventive diplomacy” to avoid prolonged conflicts.

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In his opening speech, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira recalled the “devastating” situation in Palestine and the efforts made by Brazil and China to achieve a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine.

Vieira pointed out that these crises “challenge” the international foundations of peace and security and “demand” a collective commitment. In this regard, he stated that the expansion of BRICS, which now has eleven members, “strengthened” the group’s ability “to respond to these challenges.”

The Brazilian Minister also reiterated his country’s call to reform the multilateral organizations that govern the world order, especially the United Nations and its Security Council. Vieira urged the strengthening of “preventive diplomacy” to achieve peace and thereby reduce inequalities, poverty, and marginalization.

On Monday and Tuesday, the BRICS meeting’s agenda will focus on strengthening the multilateral trade system, promoting cooperation among nations of the Global South, and reforming the UN Security Council — a topic of special interest to Brazil, as this South American country aspires to become a permanent member of that body.

It is expected that the BRICS foreign ministers will reject unilateral measures in foreign trade, such as the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group now also includes Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, although Saudi Arabia has not yet formalized its membership and is not attending the meeting being held in Brazil.

Associated members of BRICS include Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Currently, the foreign ministers of China, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa are already present at the meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The other countries are participating through diplomatic-level officials.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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