The foreign ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) supported a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and the full implementation of the grain agreement during their meeting in Cape Town yesterday. The ministers reiterated their countries' positions regarding the situation in Ukraine and emphasized mediation proposals aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
In a joint statement issued after the Cape Town meeting, the ministers called for "the full and effective implementation of the Black Sea grain export initiative," stressing the importance of providing grain and fertilizers to those in need. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting yesterday.
### Welcoming Syria's Return
The BRICS nations welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League in a joint statement, affirming their support for efforts aimed at a "political and consensual solution that respects Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity." In May, the member states of the Arab League agreed to Syria's re-entry into the organization after 12 years of absence.
### Chinese Vice Foreign Minister’s Statement
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu stated that "the member countries are following a path of multipolarity and democratizing international relations," noting that BRICS nations work to ensure the growth of developing countries' rights and increase their influence in international affairs. He said, "We are on the road to a multipolar world, democracy in international relations, and we adhere to true multilateralism, working to amplify the voice and influence of developing countries in international matters, and enhance reform and establish a global governance system."
It is noteworthy that a meeting of the foreign ministers of BRICS member countries is scheduled to take place in South Africa on June 1 and 2, chaired by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated that the discussions in Cape Town will pay special attention to preparations for the upcoming 15th "five-member" summit set for August 23 and 24.
### What is BRICS?
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is a global economic bloc that was conceived in September 2006 during the first ministerial meeting of the foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Composed of five of the fastest-growing economies in the world, BRICS has become one of the main economic blocs globally, attracting interest from other countries wishing to join.
### Objectives of BRICS
Some of the main objectives of BRICS include:
- Striving for inclusive economic growth to eradicate poverty, address unemployment, and enhance economic and social integration.
- Unifying efforts to ensure the improvement of growth quality by promoting innovative economic development based on advanced technology and skills development.
- Seeking to increase participation and cooperation with non-BRICS countries.
- Promoting security and peace for economic growth and political stability.
- Committing to reform international financial institutions to give emerging and developing economies a stronger voice and better representation within financial institutions.
- Coordinating and cooperating among member countries in energy efficiency to combat climate change.
- Providing humanitarian assistance and mitigating risks from natural disasters, including addressing global food security issues.
