South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

On June 10 and 11, the core BRICS foreign ministers, new members and guest countries met in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. They discussed significant global developments and the implementation of the entity’s programme, which focuses on politics and security, economy and finance, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The assembly, characterised by noble intentions, shed light on the broader impact of conflicts, particularly emphasising the situation in Palestine.
It also stressed the principles of mutual respect, understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and consensus. The meeting’s outcomes reflected progressive ideas, distinct from recent ideological shifts within some of their member states.
The gathering took place against the backdrop of significant political changes in two BRICS countries. India’s seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, from April 19 to June 1, and South Africa’s May 29 elections, were pivotal.
The outcomes, declared on June 4 in India and June 2 in South Africa, marked substantial setbacks for India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and South Africa’s ANC. The outcomes ushered in a new era of coalition politics, in which both parties no longer held outright parliamentary majorities, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape of both countries.
The BJP’s electoral performance may not necessarily be seen as unfavourable, given its right-wing stance and narrow religious nationalism. The party came to power in 2014 after the Indian National Congress, which had been the dominant force in most of India’s governments since independence, faced an electoral defeat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to secure a third five-year term with the necessary support from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a right-leaning coalition of 15 members. Amid concerns by the business community that the party’s weakening mandate might have pushed India’s government towards a more welfare-orientated approach, the NDA was able to confirm its commitment to structural adjustment, regressive labour reforms and privatisation.
In South Africa, the business community promptly expressed its expectations concerning the composition of a multiparty coalition. Under conditions whereby the Left is struggling to display strategic dexterity, the ANC has little choice but to gravitate towards the Right.
The ANC, which had begun the process of privatising critical state assets in the telecommunications, energy and transportation industries, finds it expedient to concede to the demands of politically market-oriented parties. Additionally, its increasingly conservative stance on immigration allows it to accommodate parties with leanings toward ethnonationalism and traditionalism.

With the shift towards right-leaning coalitions in India and South Africa, trade will probably become the dominant national interest shaping their foreign policies. This could lead to greater emphasis on creating more enabling environments to attract foreign investment, implying the relaxation of labour laws and further liberalisation of tariffs rather than improving domestic industrialisation capabilities. It could also imply a bias towards relations with dominant global economic players, mostly Western and white.
India, which is a party to multibillion-dollar trade deals with the US and Europe, has vehemently resisted efforts towards a common BRICS currency.
As market-orientated perspectives gain hegemony within South Africa’s government, reshaping the country’s economic trajectory will probably introduce a new geopolitical outlook.

It is probable that our historically bold stance in defence of the right to self-determination – as with the Palestinians and Western Sahara – might waver.
Likewise, our steadfast demand for respect for the sovereignty of nation-states such as Cuba and Venezuela, including allowing them to determine their developmental paths, might increasingly take a back seat in an enhanced bid to comply with Western-imposed sanctions and its stringent Swift regulations.
Many attribute the shifts in electoral patterns to the maturity and effectiveness of democracy. However, the degree to which the compositions of the coalitions are representative of public sentiment is contentious.

The global surge in identity politics notwithstanding, the extent to which the worldwide right wing has capitalised on the prevailing disillusionment with established social and political constructs remains uncertain.
The decline in electoral support for the BJP and the consolidation of the right-wing coalition does not necessarily signify a broader popular shift to the political Right in India. On the contrary, support for leftist ideologies has increased in this past election.
Moreover, there is a marginal difference of less than two percentage points between the NDA coalition’s 43.31% and the more progressive Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India) bloc’s 41.69% immigration and defence.

The Brenthurst Foundation was quick to point out that its snap poll indicated that South Africans strongly favour a coalition of the ANC-DA, or ANC-DA and other parties of the Multi-Party Charter, urging the governing party to obey the will of the people. The determination by the entity, which hosted a conference on regime-change, including in South Africa, in Poland last year, contradicts the electoral results whereby the Multi-Party Charter collective garnered less than 35 percent of the vote. The coalition proposal thus also appears to appease the elite rather than the masses.
The shift to the Right by India and South Africa’s elites emulates the rightward turn of the European Parliament’s recent elections. One can only hope that it will not follow Europe’s rise in conservativeness regarding climate change, immigration and defence.
The global Left should take greater responsibility for facilitating the deterrence.

The failure of progressives to champion substantive social and political progress has created a void in which the authoritarian and punitive inclinations of the far Right have garnered support among a disillusioned and disgruntled electorate.
The BRICS Plus programme is an exemplary endeavour by its member governments to promote inclusive and sustainable development. Nonetheless, leftists, activists, scholars and other components of civil society should exert heightened efforts to cultivate an awareness that prioritising the security and welfare of a select few should never override the advancement of the well-being and dignity of humanity as a whole.
Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security

South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

In an international world order that is constantly undergoing changes of great significance – shaking the domineering Western ethos to core – BRICS is increasingly proving to be a catalyst for the global south as it leads the reconfiguration of global affairs.

This week’s crucial meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in the city of Nizhny Novgorod in Russia was a statement of unmistakable intent to challenge the US-led Western hegemony.

The meeting started remarkably with a minute of silence for former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and Iran’s former foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash alongside seven others last month.
The Foreign Ministers’ meeting is one of many events that have been lined up by the Russian Federation as part of its 2024 BRICS Presidency agenda leading up to the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan later this year.
Speaking during the opening of the meeting, host Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s veteran Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “Russia, as well as the countries of the world majority, is in favour of an equal world order based on balance of power and equal interaction of states.”

Russia’s has argued consistently that Nato’s expansion eastward poses an existential threat to Russia, whose security is compromised by a Nato that wants to operate from inside Ukraine.
The BRICS Foreign Affairs ministers’ meeting came up at a very important time in geopolitics that are characterised by developments such as Ukraine, Gaza, Syria and Libya, among others.
It is also the first meeting of foreign ministers since BRICS was expanded during the bloc’s 15th summit that was held in South Africa last year. In addition to the original members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the following countries were accepted into the strategic bloc in 2023.

They are Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Argentina, which has since pulled back following the change of government.
Among the attendees in Nizhny Novgorod this week were SA’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira and China’s Wang Yi.
More than 30 countries have already applied to join BRICS this year. Among them is Turkey, interestingly – a Nato member that has moved closer to the global south in recent times.

Turkey was represented at the meeting by its foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, who expressed hope that Turkey would be accepted into the fold when the Heads of State of BRICS meet at the 16th summit in Kazan around October.
The meeting also took place in the Outreach/BRICS-plus format. The aim was to boost engagement with countries of the Global South and East, including Cuba, Venezuela and Sri Lanka. They were part of the 25 additional countries that attended the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. They included representatives of regional bodies such as the AU, the Arab League, ASEAN and SCO.
BRICS has increasingly become a rallying home for the nations of the majority world that are bullied by their powerful counterparts in the Global North that insist on a world order based on their belief systems they frame as a “rules-based order”.

Minister Lavrov painted BRICS as “an association where the principles of equal cooperation are actually implemented”.
It is a kind of language that appeals to the majority world nations that feels vulnerable. A global body such as BRICS where regardless of the military or economic size members are respected as equals has become a to-go-to bloc in search of something different to the domineering Western institutions that do not practice what they preach.
Judging by the wave of support and applications to join the bloc, BRICS is the future of world politics. Lavrov told delegates that “the group is driven forward by the wind of change and its role in global processes will only increase”.

He added: “The transition to a new world order will take a whole historical epoch, and it will be thorny; as the US is trying to slow down the formation of multipolarity, using trade as black mail. The West does not shy away from forceful methods, the examples of which are known to all.”
Lavrov further said to the delegates at the two-day meeting that “recent international events have dropped the masks of those who claimed the exclusive right to dictate their values to everyone”.
In recent times, BRICS member-states have opted to dump the US dollar as their trading currency. Instead, the members of the bloc trade in their local currencies among each other. They are also working ways of exiting the US-dominated international payment system known as SWIFT.

According to a report by Lavrov, “BRICS members are working to improve the international financial system, in particular, to create a platform for international trade”.
The BRICS bloc is also working on ways to establish a common currency. All the moves are intended to break free from the US-led rules and regulations that are hinged on the international use of the US dollar, an act that subject any US dollar user liable to US national laws.
The enormous power of the US has also seen Washington impose blockade on adversarial states such as Cuba, whose economy is on its knees following more than 60 years of blockade by the US. Venezuela is also under a US blockage, and the country’s wealth from oil has been suffocated by Washington’s unilateral sanctions that are practically binding internationally.

The sanctions regime that the US imposes on geopolitical opponents is invariably supported by Washington’s allies in the G7. The G7 has become a parallel structure to the UN, but more powerful.
It is such glaring international inequities that are rapidly driving dozens of countries to the entrance door of BRICS. They are crying out for a sense of belonging where their security will be guaranteed through absence of threats to their very being.
The rise of China in international affairs is also something the BRICS nations embrace. Speaking at the end of the foreign ministers’ meeting, China’s Minister Wang said Beijing “advocates for convening a genuine peace conference that will be recognised by both Russia and Ukraine”.

His remarks appear to poke a hole at the so-called Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland, where Russia has not been invited.
But leading BRICS countries have also shunned the conference in Switzerland, including SA, Brazil, India and China.
As the West continues to engage in war-mongering and Russophobia, the antagonism provides a chance for peace-loving nations such as China to propose alternative methods that could bring about peace where there is conflict.

BRICS has become a welcome breath of fresh air. Earth-shaking resolutions and announcements are expected when the heads of state meet in Kazan later in the year. A lot of work is currently underway, away from the public noise and unwanted attention. BRICS is the future.

Russia
Source: brics-plus-analytics.org

BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting: expansion and payment systems on the agenda
The meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, took place on June 10-11, 2024 and featured a number of priorities, of which two of the most important were BRICS expansion and new payment systems. Compared to earlier such meetings the economic agenda appears to have become more important, though some of the key themes of BRICS cooperation such as trade liberalization and the reform of BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (BRICS CRA) did not feature prominently in the public statements of the meeting’s participants. The focus on the economic side appears to be directed at boosting settlements among BRICS members in national currencies along with exploring further venues for expanding membership and mutual trade among the economies of the Global South.

On the financial front, discussions centered on creating new mechanisms for conducting settlements across BRICS members. According to Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, at the BRICS meeting of Foreign Ministers Russia presented a new payment platform called BRICS Bridge that may be used for trans-border payments. The operation of the payment system is based on the use of BRICS countries’ digital financial assets that are pegged to the values of the respective national currencies of BRICS economies. The creation of the payment platform is not directed at creating a new single BRICS currency, but rather aims to streamline and facilitate financial settlements across BRICS members. At this stage the concept of the BRICS Bridge system is still in the discussion stage and there is no visibility on the scale of participation that is likely to follow from BRICS members. The technical details of the platform may be discussed in the coming months by the respective economic agencies and ministries of BRICS countries along with other possible instruments to be employed in facilitating mutual financial settlements.

As regards BRICS expansion plans, the most likely outcome of the discussions this year is the creation of a “partnership belt” that is to participate in the key meetings of BRICS economies. The modalities of this new framework of partnership within the BRICS circle are likely to be revealed during the BRICS summit in Kazan later this year. The question at this stage is whether any new members are going to appear in the BRICS core in the course by the end of 2024 – thus far it seems that the appetite for further expansion in BRICS core membership has declined. There may be exceptions made for some of the largest applicants from the Global South, however, most notably with respect to such economies as Thailand and Turkey – representatives of both economies participated in the meetings in Nizhny Novgorod.

Thailand has in fact reiterated its willingness to join the BRICS bloc during the discussions held in Nizhny Novgorod after the Southeast Asian economy officially had declared its intention to accede to BRICS two weeks ago. After Indonesia, the largest economy in ASEAN, opted to stay out of BRICS last year, Thailand as the second largest economy in this regional bloc could open the path to a more intensive economic dialogue between ASEAN and BRICS. Expanding BRICS core membership to include Thailand could also increase the chances of Indonesia moving more quickly towards building closer ties with BRICS economies.

Another heavyweight candidate that has expressed its interest in joining the BRICS bloc recently is Turkey – the country has already explored options of joining BRICS back in 2018 during the BRICS+ meetings in South Africa. Given the BRICS expansionary momentum that started last year, Turkey’s chances of making it into the BRICS core have improved, particularly as a whole group of new members from the Middle East have joined the bloc starting from this year. At this stage, our baseline scenario is for all new BRICS partners to be included into the “partnership belt”, including Turkey and Thailand. In our view, the new BRICS core needs time and a wider array of economic instruments to accommodate a substantial increase in core membership that has taken place in 2023-2024. With a host of new members in need of financial assistance/support, the BRICS need to boost the resources of the New Development Bank and the BRICS CRA as well as possibly create new mechanisms and facilities to support its existing members before again moving to expand the bloc’s core.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have just completed our two-day programme. Yesterday, we worked with the BRICS countries, and continued our discussions today with the invited countries which have yet to join BRICS. They expressed their firm commitment to forging closer ties with this association. Apart from the ten BRICS countries, another 12 nations of the Global Majority representing Asia, Africa and Latin America joined us today.

We discussed the most pressing and relevant international issues and challenges which all countries face today, as well as the present-day international environment and the role the Global Majority plays in shaping the global agenda. During the BRICS segment of our meeting and today, in the presence of the invited countries, all delegations spoke out in favour of reforming the existing global governance framework by focusing on enabling the Global South to play a bigger role in it. We noted the need to undertake collective efforts in order to achieve the sustainable development goals, ensure security and foster economic growth.

Most of the delegations emphasised the destructive nature of protectionism in trade. The United States and its allies have been sticking to this destructive policy. We noted that donors have failed to invest in achieving development goals in any meaningful way, which stands in stark contrast with the effort to allocate billions of dollars and euros to the Kiev regime so as to enable it to keep up fighting the Russian Federation. The West has been preparing this war for many years and is now seeking to defeat us on the battlefield, judging by its own words. Not a single BRICS participant or country working with this association spoke out in favour of this attitude.

We pinpointed unilateral restrictive measures and illegitimate sanctions as imposed by the West among the negative factors undermining the right of states to development. Western countries have been proactive in using these approaches as part of their foreign policy toolkit. We share the view that the United States and its allies have been undermining the global financial and economic architecture in their attempt to preserve their dominance by grossly abusing the dollar’s global standing and the Western financial markets while also exploiting what de facto amounts to neo-colonial and unscrupulous methods.

We paid special attention to global security and countering new challenges and threats, primarily terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime, and also discussed crisis situations, in particular in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia.

All meeting participants without exception paid special attention to the developments in the Gaza Strip where the death toll stands at 37,000, while about 100,000 people were wounded. The military operation continues there, resulting in more and more casualties among innocent people. We emphasised that there is no alternative to undertaking consistent efforts designed to support the emergence of a multipolar world order based on the sovereign equality of states as set forth in the UN Charter, as well as an equitable interstate dialogue free from any hidden agendas and aimed at coming up with collective solutions for addressing the objectives and issues the world faces today.
We share the opinion that BRICS should be proactive in these processes. I would like to remind you that the group’s countries occupy over a third of the world’s land area where 45 percent of the global population live. Their joint GDP exceeds that of the G7 countries. In 2023, when BRICS only had five members, it was over 32 percent of the global GDP.

Everyone has the facts proving that BRICS countries are driving the global economy in many spheres. According to various estimates, the average economic growth figures in BRICS countries this year remain substantially higher than the world average.

The programme of Russia’s chairmanship incudes about 200 events, 70 of which have already been held, including in in priority fields such as nuclear medicine, climate change, sustainable development, peaceful space exploration. We held the BRICS Film Festival in April and the BRICS Academic Forum in May. Today, we will open a meeting of education ministers and tomorrow BRICS Sports Games will kick off in Kazan. These are but a few of the events we will hold within the framework of our BRICS chairmanship.

As per the agreements reached at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, we have reviewed the efforts to coordinate the modalities of the new category, BRICS partner countries. It is notable that the number of countries wishing to join in our efforts continues to grow and is now about 30. All our friends in the group understand that we must provide a positive answer to this demand. We will continue working in this sphere. We will prepare our recommendations for the summit that will be held in Kazan on October 22−24, 2024. We are aware of our partners’ support, and we are ready to continue working to strengthen the entire range of our projects, from security policy to the economy, finance and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Following the BRICS meeting held yesterday, we have adopted an in-depth and explicit Joint Statement, which reflects the group countries’ stands on current international issues in the spirit of the assessments I have mentioned here. It is highly satisfying that our work in the expanded format went smoothly. All participants tried to reach consensus even on the most complicated issues reflected in the text.

I would recommend all media representatives to due regard to that Joint Statement in their reports from Nizhny Novgorod and the subsequent analysis of the result of our activities.

I am ready to answer your questions. However, before we start the interactive part of our conversation, I would like to once again express gratitude to the administration of the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the city of Nizhny Novgorod, as well as personally to the region’s governor for a warm welcome and assistance in the brilliant organisation of the meeting. Everyone pointed this out in their statements today.

Question: Foreign Minister of Hungary Peter Szijjarto said in his eloquent address at the Baku Energy Forum that the current conflicts around the world provoked the creation of confronting blocs. We previously spoke about the departure of global hegemony, but we see that the world is moving from a unipolar to a bipolar world order. Is this possible today? What should be done to preserve the principle of multipolarity, including in BRICS?

Sergey Lavrov: Multipolarity does not depend on the desire of one country or a group of countries. Multipolarity or polycentrism, as we call it, is an objective historical process that cannot be stopped, even though the West is using every trick in the book to slow it down so as to prolong its hegemony, which has been declared the main goal of the United States and its allies. They have no scruples to say that the world order dominated by America, NATO and the EU must not be allowed to change. It is a blatantly neo-colonial mentality. You can see it in all actions of the collective West, which is trying to divide the world into blocs. You may remember that in the past few years the Americans convened special summits for democracy to which they invited carefully chosen participants. The only criterion for receiving invitations is loyalty to the United States or more precisely, to the Democratic administration of Joe Biden. All other countries were marked as autocracies. Another example of the division of the world into blocs is the infamous statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell that Europe is a garden and the rest of the world is a jungle. Neither will we forget a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said that if you are not at the table in the international system [ that is, if you do not choose “democratic values”], you’re going to be on the menu. I do not remember hearing a more racist and neo-colonial statement. In other words, BRICS is not separating itself from the world. Quite the contrary, it has developed as a group of countries that are concerned about justice on the international stage.

BRICS is not pretending to be a pole. There will be many more poles in the polycentric world. Today, we spoke about the integration processes unfolding primarily in Eurasia as the fastest growing continent. I am referring to the SCO, EAEU, ASEAN, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the CIS, and a number of other integration associations. They have established ties between themselves and are starting to harmonise their moves on concurring agendas. 

We see similar processes on the African continent, where the African Union is acquiring increasingly more powers to organise life across the continent and in the member countries. In Latin America, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is getting its second wind, particularly with account taken of the pro-active role played by President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. There are also a number of subregional integration organisations that prioritise self-reliance and are unwilling to depend on whims and double standards used by the West within the framework of its decades-old global architecture. I am referring to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation. The West has been abusing these mechanisms to achieve its selfish aims, including by using double standards. Everyone is unwilling to become dependent on this US-controlled mechanism. The Americans are grossly misusing it by introducing sanctions, threatening recalcitrants, forcing everyone to join illegal sanctions, and much else. The globalisation processes, which seemed to unite the world not so long ago, are being fragmented into regional processes, which make it possible to protect and securitise participating countries’ trade, economic, financial, or investment projects from the free-wheeling, negative and subversive interference from the outside.    

This is an objective process. BRICS, which includes countries from all regions of the Global Majority, has every opportunity to assist these regional integration unions in structuring their projects and programmes, while gradually harmonising their work. At the global level, our association may well play the role of a mild integrator that does not dictate its approaches and seeks to pool natural projects and procedures in various parts of the world. This does not mean that BRICS is isolating itself from the West. We are still able to communicate at the UN, although even there the Americans and their allies are trying in every way to substitute certain ideas they formulate in their narrow circle for collective work. Later, they would attempt to impose those ideas on others through the secretariats of international organisations that are heavily dependent on them. But, I repeat, we do have a venue in case the West realises that its efforts to keep its hegemony by blackmail, illegal sanctions, ultimatums, and even military force are doomed to fail. I hope this will happen sometime in the future, although I do not expect it soon. But if that takes place after all and the West becomes aware of the need to have an equitable dialogue with the rest of the world, I assure you that both the BRICS members and other Global Majority countries will be ready to reciprocate. Of course, it will be necessary to coordinate terms, on which this dialogue will have to be held.  Yet, we do not need to invent anything. There is the UN Charter, which says that the United Nations is based on the principle of sovereign equality of states.  It is only this that will enable the West to become a law-abiding member of the international community. In the meantime, countries that are ready for equitable work are involved in it within their own circle.

Question: There were some reports about Iran-Russia comprehensive cooperation agreement that has been suspended. The Iranian authorities have reiterated that Iran-Russia ties and relations will not change, and we know that the late Iranian President did a lot to strengthen the ties. I want to know what your comment on that is?

Sergey Lavrov: To answer your question on the state cooperation agreement between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, so far, we have yet to reach a point where it can be signed, even if we have already coordinated its text in its entirety. However, in order for us to submit it for approval and signing by our presidents, the Islamic Republic of Iran must carry out several procedural and legislative initiatives on matters which have already been set forth in this treaty. Iran has yet to fulfil this task.

During the meeting with Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani, we reaffirmed our commitment to this document. It aims to elevate the Russia-Iran relations to a new level. We can achieve this objective as soon as our Iranian colleagues attend to the procedural matters, as I have just mentioned.

Question: You mentioned Palestine and the international security. What do you think that the BRICS group can do specifically in order to strengthen international security and to stop the war in Gaza? Of course, you mentioned that it has left nearly more than 37,000 Palestinians dead, and which is currently the world’s most important security issue.

Sergey Lavrov: As I have already said in my opening remarks, we paid special attention to the tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip when discussing international matters. In fact, we condemned the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, and immediately followed up by speaking out against the methods Israel has been using in response to Hamas’ actions. These methods are unacceptable.

You have mentioned the 37,000 Palestinians who have lost their lives, with women and children accounting for over a half of this figure. About 100,000 people were wounded. It goes without saying that this is unacceptable.

We proceed from the premise that this operation must stop immediately by ensuring a ceasefire, while taking prompt action to address severe humanitarian issues. After that, there must be an immediate push without any delays to start implementing UN decisions to establish a Palestinian state existing side by side with Israel and its other neighbours in peace and security.

Russia was the first to submit a draft resolution along these lines to the UN Security Council. Arab and African countries have made similar attempts. But all these attempts were blocked, with the only exception of a resolution calling for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan. At least we managed to adopt it after the US refrained from exercising its veto power. However, they said that it would be a non-binding resolution.

Only yesterday, the Security Council adopted another resolution, drafted by the United States and alleging that Hamas and Israel have reached a deal to start by declaring a ceasefire for a specific period, while also freeing hostages in exchange for releasing Palestinians from Israeli prisons. The resolution also describes the second and subsequent steps, and also contains provisions dealing with humanitarian matters.

We tried to make sure that this agreement is real, only to be told that the resolution stipulates that Hamas and Israel agree on this point. However, when the UN Security Council met to adopt this resolution, the Israeli delegation did not mention any kind of agreement in its remarks. The Israeli delegate said that Israel would not take part in endless and futile talks while sticking with the Prime Minister’s goal of destroying Hamas. What a sad turn of events.

Yesterday and today, the BRICS countries spoke out in a single voice in favour of taking immediate action to pressure Israel to stop the bloodshed which has evolved into a major tragedy. We remain committed to this vision. The international community must use all political and legal tools at its disposal to achieve this aim.

Question: At yesterday’s meeting, Mr Wang Yi referred to BRICS as a “big golden brick,” translated literally. We see how the West often “throws bricks” at the emerging centres of the future multipolar world and uses bricks to construct sanction walls. Despite this, there are shared interests between our countries and the West, particularly in addressing global challenges. How can we use our bricks to build a bridge to encourage Western countries to move toward cooperation?

Sergey Lavrov: I believe you are well aware that we are not the ones isolating ourselves from the West or building walls, both figuratively and literally, as is currently being done along the borders with the Russian Federation by several North Atlantic Alliance members. We are not the ones dividing the world into blocs or declaring that those who disagree with us will face consequences. All of this is occurring at the initiative of our Western colleagues.

I won’t reiterate, but this behaviour seems ingrained in their nature. After 500 years of global dominance and a long history of showing complete disrespect for the great civilisations that existed before the West took control – such as the Ottoman, Chinese, Indian, and Arab civilisations – our Western colleagues are not interested in building any bridges. They use bricks solely to construct walls and, as you mentioned, to hit those who do not comply with their dictates.

As I have mentioned, we are not isolating ourselves from the West. However, the West must realise that its current behaviour will only lead to ongoing confrontation. Presently, within the BRICS framework and other integration associations, processes are underway that will shield the rest of the world from the excesses and aggression of the Western powers that still dominate the international market.

The People’s Republic of China and we were constructing a bridge across the Amur River, each of us building our respective half. For the construction to commence, the same process needs to begin on the other side. Building your half in the hope that it might eventually benefit someone, however, seems to be an unproductive use of physical and mental energy.

The West has built a wall separating itself from the rest of the world. If it chooses, it can tear down this wall and explain to us the terms under which it is willing to rejoin the civilised world and engage in civilised communication. Then we will see.

Question: What is Moscow’s opinion of the recent Israeli raid to free hostages from Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, which claimed at least 250 Palestinian lives?

Is Russia preparing new proposals on a settlement in the Middle East? You recently mentioned plans for a meeting with five Arab colleagues in Moscow soon.

Sergey Lavrov: Regarding the first part of the question, our reaction is the same as to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack and the methods Israel used in response to it. I consider it unacceptable when hundreds of innocent lives are sacrificed to save people.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan have taken part in the talks of various formats on liberating hostages. We took part in these efforts too, not only on behalf of Russian citizens but also the citizens of other countries. These efforts have produced certain results. This group of what can be described as intermediaries between Hamas and Israel probably knows better than many others what problems should be solved for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
We have put forth our position on numerus occasions, including in draft UN Security Council resolutions. It boils down to an immediate ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities without any time limits, the liberation of all Palestinians held in Israel, addressing all immediate humanitarian problems, and the unconditional resumption of talks on the establishment of a Palestinian state.

We have held intra-Palestinian meetings in Moscow. We did it several times, the last time in late February and early March 2024. All Palestinian groups attended them, including Hamas and Fatah. The first meeting was crowned with the signing of a joint statement in which all parties, including Hamas, expressed readiness to unite all Palestinians on the basis of the platform of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. This never happened before.

We advance our initiatives on restoring Palestinian unity because only united Palestine can be a party at the talks aimed at achieving the best possible result. This will hardly be possible when Palestinians remain disunited. Ideas about the future of Gaza have been expressed without Palestinians. They provide for creating a protectorate of Arab countries, deploying peacekeeping forces, or declaring that these territories are governed by the Palestinian National Authority. These initiatives are being promoted by external players. The Palestinians themselves are disunited and depend on external sponsors.

Our idea was to bring together all external sponsors, all counties that influence in any way, finance or help various Palestinian groups to coordinate an agreement and eliminate differences between these external players, so that they would unite and urge Palestinians to stop playing on nuances in the external players’ positions but to join forces at talks and to work towards the recognition of their rights at the UN.

We are ready to continue doing this. But the current focus in on stopping the tragedy. As soon as this goal is achieved, the crucial element of our long-term line in this area will be supporting the movement for the creation of a Palestinian state in full compliance with UN resolutions.

Question: Earlier you said that Moscow regards NATO’s nuclear weapons as a single arsenal aimed at the Russian Federation. Is it possible to imagine a situation where the West will have to take into account the joint nuclear potential of Russia, China and North Korea?

Sergey Lavrov: At a certain stage, the United States, that has undermined all the basic preconditions that had made New START possible, wanted to make us believe that the war it is carrying out against Russia by the hands of the Ukrainians must not be an obstacle to resuming the dialogue on strategic stability.

When we were explaining to our American colleagues that in a situation when Russia has been declared the target of the entire North Atlantic Alliance, an enemy that needs to be strategically defeated on the battlefield, we said that after the entire NATO have united against us, we will not be able to ignore the nuclear arsenals of France and Britain, which are in the forefront of NATO members in anti-Russia actions, when it comes to resuming talks about strategic stability, though it is not going to happen soon.

As for the arsenals of China and North Korea, as well as Russia’s strategic arsenal, we are by no means a union. The only thing we have in common is that all the three countries have been declared targets of the United States and its allies’ aggressive policy. As for Russia, this goes without saying. We also see how tensions around Taiwan in the South China Sea are escalating, and how China is literally being provoked into making sudden movements on the Korean Peninsula.

We can see an alliance being formed between the US, South Korea, and Japan. They conduct exercises, adding more and more nuclear components into these maneuvers. The situations are not identical. But the fact that we are strictly against playing the card of nuclear provocations was convincingly stated by President Vladimir Putin at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Question: In what context was Ukraine discussed at the Foreign Ministers Meeting? You have already noted the organisation of the event here, in the capital of the Volga Region. What did you manage to see outside of the business programme? Our region has strong and warm relations with the BRICS countries as part of our trade relations and, of course, social and cultural contacts. All Nizhny Novgorod residents would like to ask you to come and visit us more often.

Sergey Lavrov: You have so many temptations outside the business programme that I cannot list them all. The city and the people are amazing. There was such a kind and hospitable atmosphere wherever we went – on the streets and embankments – that all our foreign guests without exception fell in love with the city, its people, its beautiful landscapes and with how you keep it so attractive.
We spoke a lot with Nizhny Novgorod Region Governor Gleb Nikitin. It is clear that he is devoted to the city and the region and that he and his team are doing a lot for the city and the region to prosper.
In the final communique on Ukraine, all the participants confirmed their positions presented, for example, during the discussion of the matter at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. There is nothing else there. In their remarks, some of the countries (not the majority) mentioned Ukraine exclusively in the context of departing from any unilateral initiatives and instead promoting settlement by means other than holding exclusive get-togethers like the one which will open in Switzerland in a few days. It has been announced that the event will focus on discussing a completely futile and worthless dead-end Zelensky peace formula, with no other alternative.
Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira noted that it is important to find a new basis for promoting a settlement, a basis that would be acceptable to the parties involved. Clearly, without the permission of the United States, Vladimir Zelensky’s regime will do nothing. It simply has no right to do anything.

We talked about this during bilateral meetings with our Chinese and Brazilian colleagues. We value the initiatives that have been proposed by the People’s Republic of China, Brazil, the South African Republic and the League of Arab States. A special delegation from the League of Arab States visited us soon after the launch of the special military operation. We can see that their initiatives are a sincere expression of goodwill and willingness to help find a pathway to achieving a fair settlement.
I have already noted that in China’s ideas last year, the ideas as put forth by China and Brazil, a fair amount of attention was paid to the primary causes of the deep security crisis in the Euro-Atlantic Region – and to removing these causes. It was also stressed that it is unacceptable to divide the world into blocs – this is a reference to the first question during the news conference today. Neither political nor economic blocs bring anything good. In its proposals, China emphasised the need to find a solution based on actually implementing the principle of indivisible security for all the interested parties.

We often hear calls for talks, including from our colleagues in Asia, Africa and Latin America. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly commented on the matter. Not only were we ready for talks, we completed them in April 2022 in Istanbul. We initialled a document that would end the hostilities. As you know, the Ukrainian participants admitted that the English, the Americans and other puppeteers – let’s call them what they are – did not let them sign the document.

I would ask those, who are currently promoting negotiation initiatives, to consider two key points. First, in September 2022, Vladimir Zelensky signed an order banning all Ukrainian officials from negotiating with Vladimir Putin’s government. Additionally, in early May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued an official statement declaring that Ukraine does not recognise Vladimir Putin as a democratically elected legitimate president. Secondly, those advocating initiatives and emphasising the indivisibility of security, the inadmissibility of creating blocs, and the importance of understanding root causes must fully consider that in Ukraine, the Russian language is completely banned by law. This ban flagrantly violates all conceivable international conventions on the rights of national minorities. The Russian language is banned in education, media, culture, and even in everyday communication. Speaking Russian to a vendor or a waiter there can lead to serious trouble.
Another related point is the legislative endorsement and practical implementation of Nazi ideology, including the glorification of individuals condemned by the Nuremberg Tribunal.

Our colleagues in various countries sincerely advocate for initiating negotiation processes, by just halting the hostilities and beginning dialogue. Is it some artificial precondition to demand respect for the rights of such a significant national minority as Russians in Ukraine? I don’t believe so. It is crucial to bring the Ukrainian regime back into the legal framework adhered to by all responsible and decent members of the global community. President Vladimir Putin has also addressed this issue on multiple occasions.

I believe that simply ignoring this situation and returning to the negotiating table as if nothing has happened would be wrong. Furthermore, in our discreet contacts that had, we have observed that no one in the West wants to acknowledge the Nazi and Russophobic sentiments and practices of this regime. Not only does the West fail to acknowledge these issues, but it actively encourages the Ukrainian state to maintain this stance, potentially exploiting the Kiev regime further in the war with Russia.

In essence, the goal is akin to that of Adolf Hitler and, before him, Napoleon – to unify all of Europe and consequently defeat the Russian people and state. I came across an intriguing idea yesterday. Mr John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, mentioned in a recent interview that, as President Biden has emphasised, they are committed to providing Ukraine with the necessary capabilities for self-defence. Moreover, crucially, the United States is not seeking a third world war, given the severe implications it would have for the European continent.

Here is how the United States perceives Europe: the US believes that if it provokes a nuclear war (which they are actively doing), only Europe will suffer. Historically, as in the first and second world wars, they expect to emerge as the victor. This mindset reflects the philosophy and mentality of current US policymakers, and consequently, those who lead Ukraine.

Egypt
Source: www.sis.gov.eg

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry attended Monday the meeting of BRICS' foreign ministers in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod delivering a speech at a session on reinforcing cooperation among member states as well as the bloc's stance on international affairs, and another at a session on the framework of collaboration with non-member states.

The minister expressed Egypt's happiness about its representation for the first time as a member state in BRICS. He tackled the crisis of Gaza Strip among other ongoing armed conflicts, condemning the Israeli random military operations that claimed the lives of dozens of thousands of innocent civilians, and caused large-scale destruction and instability in the Middle East.

Minister Shokry stressed Egypt's stance that advocates for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, sufficient delivery of aid, and establishment of a Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967 having as capital Eastern Jerusalem. He also asserted the country's rejection to attempts of the displacement of the Palestinian people. 

With regard to BRICS, the minister pointed out that the recent expansion of the bloc boosted its capability in representing developing countries in that critical timing. On that front, he displayed Egypt's priorities and expectations saying that BRICS should keep calling for a global economic governance that is more inclusive of developing countries. That is in addition to supporting developmental funding, encouraging multilateral banks to provide soft loans to developing states, and backing regional trade agreements in the south.

Minister Shokry equally urged reforming the global debt structure in a way that empowers low-income and middle-income countries to invest in their human resources and infrastructure, noting that technology transfer to developing countries and capacity-building were a must.

The foreign minister said that the increasing use of national currencies in transactions between BRICS' member states would play a major role in improving the resilience of their economies. In that context, he underlined the importance of the new BRICS-affiliated development bank in financing enterprises in the sectors of energy, food security, and transport.

Egypt Today

Russia
Source: mid.ru

1. The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations met on 10 June 2024 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation. They exchanged views on major global and regional trends and issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the framework of BRICS Strategic Partnership under the three pillars of cooperation – politics and security, economy and finance, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit featuring mutual respect and understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus.

2. Welcoming the active participation of the new members of BRICS, the Ministers assured continued support to their seamless and full integration into BRICS cooperation mechanisms.

3. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and upholding the international law, including the Purposes and Principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in an international system in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and promoting cooperation based on solidarity, mutual respect, justice and equality.

4. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to enhancing and improving global governance by promoting a more agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system and to assuring greater and more meaningful participation of developing and least developed countries, especially in Africa, in global decision-making processes and structures, and making them better attuned to contemporary realities.

5. Mindful of the 2023 Johannesburg II Declaration the Ministers voiced their support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council’s memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council. They also recognized the legitimate aspirations of African countries, reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

6. The Ministers reaffirmed the important role of the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation that comprises both developed and developing countries on an equal and mutually beneficial footing where major economies jointly seek solutions to global challenges to the achievement of universally beneficial and inclusive global economic growth. They expressed their firm view that the G20 should continue to function in a productive manner, focusing on the delivery of concrete outcomes, taking decisions by consensus. They reiterated their commitment to a balanced approach by continuing to amplify and further enhance inclusiveness of the G20 process through the effective integration of the voice of the Global South in the G20 agenda. They welcomed and supported the inclusion of the African Union as a member of the G20 at the G20 New Delhi Summit.

7. The Ministers reiterated that the consecutive G20 presidencies of India, Brazil and South Africa in 2023-2025 lay a solid ground for addressing inequalities, imbalances and shortcomings in the world economy, expressed support for continuity and collaboration in their G20 presidencies and wished them all success in their endeavours. In this regard they endorsed the three priorities of Brazil as the G20 Presidency: fighting hunger, poverty and inequality; sustainable development in its three dimensions; and global governance reform, and looked forward to the successful hosting of the 19th G20 Summit under the Brazilian G20 Presidency. They reaffirmed their willingness to coordinate positions on the G20 agenda.

8. The Ministers reiterated that the objectives and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, including its principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), in the light of different national circumstances, must be honoured. The Ministers called on all parties to fully implement the Convention and the Agreement. They emphasized the need for developed countries to enhance transfer of low-cost climate technology in an affordable and accessible manner, capacity building along with affordable, adequate, predictable and timely new additional financial resources as critical enablers of climate action in developing countries. They reaffirmed the call for developed countries explicitly listed in Annex II of the Convention to honour their climate finance commitments, including the collective goal of mobilising USD 100 billion per year to support the needs of developing countries. They stressed the need to set up an ambitious New Collective Quantified goal on climate finance prior to 2025, as per the needs and priorities of developing countries. The Ministers expressed opposition to the imposition of any restrictive measures in global trade as a pretext for combatting the climate change. The Ministers recognized that the UNFCCC process is the appropriate forum to decide issues related to climate change in all dimensions. This extends to support for the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as well as their National Adaptation Plans. The Ministers reiterated the importance of addressing the adaptation finance gap including by doubling adaptation finance which is also key to implement Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience. Further, it is important that the UN agencies, MDBs and other international agencies also support the climate actions of the developing countries with additional and concessional climate finances, capacity building, technical assistance, and financing transfer of affordable climate technology.

9. The Ministers recalled that the UNFCCC, including the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) sessions, is the appropriate and legitimate international forum to discuss the issue of climate change in all its dimensions. The Ministers rejected attempts to link security with the climate change agenda. The Ministers commended the United Arab Emirates for hosting the COP28 on 30 November – 13 December 2023 in Dubai. The Ministers supported Azerbaijan’s and Brazil’s leadership in hosting COP29 in 2024 and COP30 in 2025 and welcomed India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.
10. The Ministers welcomed the creation of the loss and damage fund under the UNFCCC in COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh and its operationalization in the UAE in COP28 and confirmed its important role in supporting all developing countries in responding to the losses and damages of climate impacts.

11. The Ministers stressed the importance of country ownership through just transitions pathways of the transition and transformation responding to climate change challenges and contributing to global effort to tackle climate change, with developed countries taking the lead and providing needed support to developing countries in line with the respective obligations under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.

12. The Ministers expressed full commitment to a successful COP29 in Azerbaijan, with an expectation of strong outcomes on climate finance to developing countries, as a critical enabler for delivering on the current and future nationally determined actions and ambitions in mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.

13. The Ministers noted the increasing relevance of the interface between sustainable development and global health issues, while recognizing that international health cooperation shall be inclusive, based on equity and result-oriented for the benefit of all people. They reaffirmed that the global health architecture should be open, inclusive, science based, depoliticised and based on the principles of equity and transparency, equality, mutual respect, in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and with due respect to the sovereignty and interests of all countries. They reaffirmed their commitment to intensify efforts at national level towards achieving universal health coverage, including improving equitable access to quality essential health services and safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all and the collective capacity for global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and strengthening the ability to fight back any such pandemics in the future collectively.

14. The Ministers supported enhancing BRICS coordination on global health. They acknowledged that BRICS cooperation on countering TB and AMR as well as strengthening capacities in preventing communicable diseases and other health issues such as non-communicable diseases, research and development, experience sharing, including on traditional medicine systems, health financing, nuclear medicine, digital health, emergency early warning system, strong health system, local production and health partnership greatly contributes to relevant international efforts.

15. The Ministers recognised the negative impact on the world economy and sustainable development from unilateral approaches in breach of international law. They expressed concern about the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are incompatible with the principles of the Charter of the UN and produce negative effects on economic growth, trade, energy, health and food security notably in the developing world.

16. They condemned unilateral, punitive and discriminatory protectionist measures, that are not in line with international law, under the pretext of environmental concerns, such as unilateral and discriminatory carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), due diligence requirements, taxes and other measures and reconfirmed their full support for the call in COP28 related to avoidance of unilateral trade measures based on climate or environment. They also opposed unilateral protectionist measures, which deliberately disrupt the global supply and production chains and distort competition.

17. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of biodiversity conservation, including the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They highlighted the need to combat pollution, including in the marine environment. Highlighting the significance of Circular Economies, they stressed the importance of capacity building, technology innovation, and international cooperation to advance these issues. The Ministers highlighted the need to ensure a just and equitable outcome of the negotiations on the plastics for a new plastics treaty. They highlighted the importance of ensuring just and managed transitions that is supported through an additional, accessible, adequate financial mechanism and resources, and clean technology transfer programmes to developing countries to support them in delivering any commitments, programmes or actions to be included in the new agreement.

18. The Ministers recognized the importance of ensuring food security and nutrition, promoting rural development. They encouraged further cooperation in agriculture and food security.

19. The Ministers expressed their support for an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, with special and differential treatment (S&DT) for developing countries, including Least Developed Countries as the key foundational principle of the WTO. They commended the United Arab Emirates for hosting the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) from 26 February to 2 March 2024 in Abu Dhabi. They committed to provide support for the necessary WTO reform with the aim of strengthening resilience, enhancing the authority, effectiveness and efficiency of the Organisation. This is to be achieved through member-driven, inclusive, and transparent negotiations. They called for the restoration of a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024, and the appointment of new Appellate Body Members without further delay.

20. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

21. The Ministers noted the establishment of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. They also reaffirmed that the rush for these minerals, which are mostly found in the developing world, should not replicate the previous injustice and inhumane history of colonialism. The Ministers called for these minerals to be beneficial to the socio-economic well-being of the societies and countries where the minerals are found. They further agreed that the countries where those minerals are available should have the opportunity to be a part of the global value chains without any discrimination rather than just be exporters of raw materials.

22. The Ministers expressed their support to promote just and balanced energy transitions, as befitting respective national priorities and circumstances by efficient use of all energy sources, namely renewable energy, including biofuels, hydropower, fossil fuels, nuclear energy and hydrogen, among others, which are crucial for just energy transitions towards more flexible, resilient and sustainable energy systems.

23. The Ministers recognized the need for a comprehensive reform of the global financial architecture to enhance the voice of the developing countries and their representation in the international financial institutions. They reaffirmed the call in COP27 to ensure that the reform of the International Financial Institutions would focus on increasing the scale of finance, enable simplified access to the resources. They looked forward to a successful 2025 shareholding Review of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. They supported a robust Global Financial Safety Net with a strong quota-based and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre. They called on continuing the process of IMF governance reform including creating a new quota formula reflecting the economic size of its membership during the overall review of quotas.

24. The Ministers stressed on the need for reforming the policies and practices of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to increase their lending capacities, to be able to better assist developing countries in financing their development needs and enhancing their climate action, in line with the Sharm El-Sheikh Action Plan of COP27 which Egypt hosted in November 2022.

25. The Ministers encouraged the New Development Bank to follow the member-led and demand-driven principle, employ innovative financing mechanisms to mobilise financing from diversified sources, enhance capacity building and knowledge exchange, including with knowledge sources from developing countries, assist member countries in achieving the SDGs and further improve efficiency and effectiveness to fulfil its mandate, aiming to be a premier multilateral development institution for EMDCs. They agreed to jointly develop the New Development Bank to a new type of Multilateral Development Banks of the 21st century. They urged the Bank to execute its purpose and functions in accordance with the Agreement on the New Development Bank in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. The Ministers expressed their support to the further expansion of the NDB membership and early consideration of applications of BRICS Member countries as per the NDB approved policies.

26. The Ministers underscored the importance of the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions between the BRICS countries. They recalled the paragraph 45 of the Johannesburg II Declaration tasking the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the BRICS countries to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and to report back to the BRICS Leaders.

27. The Ministers expressed the intention to promote energy cooperation among the BRICS countries. They emphasised that guaranteeing universal access to affordable and reliable energy and ensuring energy security is a crucial foundation for economic development, social stability, national security, and the welfare of all nations worldwide. They called for resilient global supply chains, especially of certain minerals, materials and technologies, critical for energy transition, for ensuring predictable and stable energy supply. They also called for resilient global supply chains to ensure universal access to affordable, accessible, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources. They also stressed the importance of enhancing energy security and market stability by strengthening value chains, promoting open, transparent, and competitive markets, and ensuring the protection of critical energy infrastructure.

28. The Ministers welcomed the cooperation between transport agencies of the BRICS countries and the outcomes of the BRICS Transport Ministers meeting held on 6-7 June 2024 in Saint Petersburg. The Ministers pointed out the importance of convergence of approaches to develop efficient and secure international transport corridors for BRICS economic growth. They emphasized as equally important the need to ensure the safety of current international transport corridors to prevent supply chain disruptions and ensure maritime transport security in accordance with international law. They also called for necessary information exchange in the transport sphere to increase logistics efficiency and reduce transport costs. The Ministers committed to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States while carrying out transport cooperation.

29. The Ministers expressed their concern about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. They reiterated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue and consultations in a coordinated and cooperative manner and supported all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises. The Ministers reiterated the need for full respect of international humanitarian law in conflict situations and the provision of humanitarian aid in accordance with the basic principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence established in UNGA resolution 46/182.

30. The Ministers recognized the importance of the increased participation of women in peace processes including in conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development, and sustaining peace.

31. The Ministers agreed that the international community is confronted with multiple risks and challenges rarely seen before, and various security issues keep flaring up, which poses a serious threat to world peace and stability. The Ministers called on the international community to seek collective answers to global and regional challenges and security threats, including terrorism. The Ministers stressed the need to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to respect the legitimate and reasonable security concerns of all countries. They reiterated that differences and disputes between countries should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultation.
32. The Ministers recalled their national positions concerning the situation in and around Ukraine as expressed in the appropriate fora, including the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly. They noted with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

33. The Ministers expressed serious concern over continued conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and noted the Joint Statement by BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys at their meeting of 25 April 2024.

34. The Ministers expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli military operation that led to mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. In this regard they called for the effective implementation of the relevant UNGA resolutions and UNSC resolution 2720 and for immediate safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip. They also called for the effective implementation of the UNSC resolution 2728 for an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire. They equally called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and civilians who are being illegally held captive. They expressed grave concern by the increasing attacks by Israel on Rafah, which would compound the dire humanitarian situation. The Ministers further condemned the Israeli military operation in Rafah and its ramifications that directly impact the civilian lives, especially in view of the high density of Palestinian civilians in this location, and the humanitarian catastrophic results due to the suspension of the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side. They also reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt aiming at forcefully displacing, expelling or transferring the Palestinian people from their land. Furthermore, they cautioned against the spill over effects of escalation of tensions to the rest of the Middle East region. They acknowledged the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice in the legal proceedings instituted by South Africa against Israel. The Ministers expressed serious concern at Israel’s continued blatant disregard of international law, the UN Charter, UN resolutions and Court orders.

35. The Ministers reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution based on international law including relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative that includes the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine in line with internationally recognized borders of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

36. The Ministers reiterated that the principle “African solutions to African problems” should continue to serve as the basis for conflict resolution on the African continent. In this regard they reiterated their support for African peace efforts on the continent, including those undertaken by the African Union, and African sub-regional organisations.

37. The Ministers commended the efforts and achievements by African countries in their pursuit of the peace and development, while expressing serious concern over the prevailing conflicts and the continuing threats posed by terrorist organisations in various sub-regions of Africa and over remaining conflict potential in the Sahel region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Great Lakes Region, and in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Sudan as well as growing activity of numerous terrorist groups and insurgents. The Ministers reiterated their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan and unimpeded access of the Sudanese population to humanitarian assistance, and the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighboring states. The Ministers commended efforts undertaken by African countries, the African Union, and African sub-regional organisations and the United Nations in promoting peace process in South Sudan, stabilizing the situation in the Central African Republic, as well as success of the Government of Mozambique supported by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in counteraction to the terrorist threat in the North of the country.

38. The Ministers expressed serious concern with the ongoing deterioration of the security, humanitarian, political and economic situation in Haiti. They stressed that the current crisis requires a Haitian-led solution that encompasses national dialogue and consensus building among local political forces, institutions and the society and called on the international community to support the Haitian endeavours to dismantle the gangs, enhance the security situation and put in place the foundations for long-lasting social and economic development in the country.

39. The Ministers emphasized the need for an urgent peaceful settlement in Afghanistan in order to strengthen regional security and stability. They advocated for Afghanistan as an independent, united and peaceful state free from terrorism, war and drugs. They urged for more visible and verifiable measures in Afghanistan to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorists. They stressed the need to provide urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Afghans including women, girls and different ethnic groups. They emphasized the primary and effective role of regional platforms and neighboring countries of Afghanistan and welcomed the efforts of such regional platforms and initiatives to facilitate the Afghan settlement.

40. The Ministers expressed strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. They strongly condemned the inhumane terrorist attack on 22 March 2024 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow. They reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing and safe havens. They reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with international law. The Ministers urged to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in countering terrorism. They emphasized the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the purposes and principles thereof, and relevant international conventions and protocols, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. They welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan. They also looked forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. The Ministers called for an expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework.

41. The Ministers expressed the need to comprehensively strengthen mechanisms for countering the increased use, in a globalised society, by terrorists and their supporters of emerging and evolving technologies such as the Internet and other information and communications technologies, including social media platforms, for terrorist purposes, such as for recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning, and preparation of their activities.

42. The Ministers expressed their concern about the scale of drug-trafficking, its unprecedented impact on health and security. They reaffirmed that the world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility that should be addressed in a multilateral setting through effective and increased international cooperation and demands an integrated, multidisciplinary, mutually reinforcing, balanced, scientific evidence-based and comprehensive approach. They acknowledged the importance of cooperation on drug-related matters among the BRICS countries and noted the BRICS Anti-Drug Working Group Meeting held on 21-22 May 2024 in Moscow and focused on tackling the criminal misuse of information and communication technologies for drug trafficking and the laundering of proceeds of drug-related crime.

43. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote BRICS cooperation in the prevention of and fight against corruption and continue to implement the relevant international agreements in this regard, in particular the United Nations Convention against Corruption. They welcomed the determination of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) to develop a common vision and undertake joint action to enhance anti-corruption cooperation, asset recovery and on denial of safe havens. The Ministers stressed the importance of continued implementation of joint capacity-building and awareness-raising projects as a long-standing priority for BRICS. They commended the ACWG for serving as a platform for greater coordination among the member countries, including in other relevant international fora.

44. The Ministers noted the paramount importance of the efforts aiming at accelerating the implementation of the resolutions on the Establishment of a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East, including the Conference convened pursuant to UN General Assembly Decision 73/546. They called on all invited parties to participate in this conference in good faith and engage with this effort constructively.

45. The Ministers also called for the full implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1540 which offers states an important impetus for adopting effective and robust measures at the national level to prevent weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials from getting into the hands of non-state actors, including terrorists, as well as frameworks for cooperation at the international level for this aim.

46. The Ministers reasserted their support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and of its weaponization. While recalling the importance of the PAROS-related provisions of the Outer Space Treaty (OST), they emphasized the need to discuss a legal multilateral instrument on PAROS. They recognised the submission to the Conference on Disarmament in 2014 of the updated Draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects (PPWT). They stressed that practical and non-binding and voluntary commitments such as Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs), may also contribute to PAROS.

47. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT-environment. They underscored the leading role of the United Nations in promoting constructive dialogue to forge common understandings on security of and in the use of ICTs including developing a universal legal framework in this domain. The Ministers commended the ongoing work of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Security of and in the Use of ICTs 2021-2025. In light of the existing and potential threats of malicious use of ICTs, the Ministers reiterated the urgency of elaborating a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes and expressed their support for the successful finalization of the work of the UN Ad Hoc Committee in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolutions 74/247 and 75/282.

48. The Ministers also acknowledged the need to advance practical intra-BRICS cooperation including through the implementation of the BRICS Roadmap of Practical Cooperation on Ensuring Security in the Use of ICTs and its Progress Report and the activities of the BRICS Working Group on Security in the Use of ICTs. They welcomed the decision to establish the BRICS Points of Contact Directory.

49. The Ministers reiterated the need for all countries to cooperate in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms under the principles of equality and mutual respect. They agreed to continue to treat all human rights, including the right to development, in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis. They agreed to strengthen cooperation on issues of common interests both within BRICS and in multilateral fora including the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council, taking into account the necessity to promote, protect and fulfil human rights in a non-selective, non-politicised and constructive manner and without double standards. They called for the respect of democracy and human rights and underlined that they should be implemented on the level of global governance as well as at national level. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all with the aim to build a brighter shared future for the international community based on mutually beneficial cooperation.

50. The Ministers expressed serious concern over exponential spread and proliferation of disinformation and misinformation. They emphasised the importance of ensuring free flow of and public access to accurate fact-based information, and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of opinion and expression as well as digital and media literacy in order to allow for meaningful connectivity, in accordance with applicable national and international law.

51. The Ministers expressed deep and sincere condolences to the people and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the tragic death of President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other victims.

52. The Ministers noted the considerable interest of emerging markets and developing countries in joining BRICS. They discussed the Partner Country Model in line with the paragraph 92 of the Johannesburg II Declaration. They reviewed the progress on the relevant preparations to be reported to the BRICS Leaders by the XVI Summit in Kazan.

53. The Ministers committed to enhancing engagement with the developing countries. They welcomed their participation in the special session to be held on 11 June 2024 within the framework of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting as a good opportunity for exchange of views on current global and regional developments.

54. The Ministers expressed their full support to the Russian Federation’s BRICS Chairship in 2024 under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”. They expressed their commitment to working together to ensure the success of the XVI BRICS Summit. The Ministers looked forward to the next BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations meeting to be held on the margins of UNGA79 and hosted by Brazil as incoming Chair of BRICS in 2025.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Colleagues,

Friends,

We are beginning a BRICS Plus/BRICS Outreach extended meeting.

Welcome to Russia and Nizhny Novgorod, a beautiful city, the beauty of which and the feelings of the residents of which you had the chance to enjoy yesterday.

Today’s meeting reflects the efforts of the BRICS members to develop ties with the stakeholder countries from the Global South and the Global East, the countries of the Global Majority, in order to identify solutions to the most pressing global issues faced by all members of the international community without exception.

We are witnessing a profound transformation of international relations triggered by the formation of a fairer and polycentric system of international order, which would reflect the entire gamut of cultural and civilisational diversity of the modern-day world and ensure the right of every nation to determine its own future and its own path of development.

The stronger voice of the Global Majority, i.e. the countries of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, which are not part of the collective West, is a major trend now. Only by uniting our ranks can we truly effectively promote a vision of a just future shared by all of us. In this context, it is important to strengthen the role of the country-to-country groups that advocate balanced and equitable approaches to international development. We are talking about the formats which reflect the principles of equitable cooperation in practice rather than in words. These include, along with BRICS, the SCO, the African Union, the EAEU, the CIS, ASEAN, LAS, CELAC, the GCC, IORA and many other organisations. The chairs of many of these organisations are here with us.

We believe it is important to establish contacts between all such integration entities which operate at regional levels, on the one hand, and our global association BRICS, on the other hand. This will promote gradual and mutually respectful harmonisation of approaches to the issues facing all associations.

The strengthening the international legal framework and collective decision-making on global issues is now at the forefront. Only in this case will those decisions be effective and legitimate. This principle is laid down in the UN Charter. Unfortunately, the collective West’s decisions, especially in the economy, finance, trade and more, increasingly fail to comply with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

Our countries have largely overlapping approaches to reforming the system of multilateral institutions, including the UN and the UN Security Council, as well as addressing the post-pandemic recovery of the global economy and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals approved by the UN General Assembly. We look forward to discussing all these issues today.
]

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Colleagues, friends,

I would like to open this meeting with observing a moment of silence in memory of the untimely demise of President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi and our colleague Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and to once again offer our deepest condolences to the people of Iran and the families of the deceased. Everyone please stand up.

***

Colleagues,
We are pleased to welcome you to Nizhny Novgorod, one of Russia’s oldest cities, which is over 800 years old. No doubt, today’s meeting will leave a mark of its own not only in the history of major international events held in this city, but in the history of BRICS as well. This is the first time a meeting of the BRICS Ministerial Council is being held in a new expanded format.

The expansion of the BRICS is a compelling proof of the ongoing formation of a multipolar international order. New globally significant political decision-making centres are emerging among the countries of the Global South and Global East, the Global Majority countries. These countries advocate a more equitable order based on sovereign equality of states and civilisational diversity.

The transition to a new international order (we had the chance to see it) will take an entire historical era and be a thorny path. The United States and its allies keep trying to retain their elusive dominance and to slow down the objective processes leading to multipolarity. They are weaponising economic tools and using sanctions pressure and financial blackmail to force sovereign states into choosing specific development models and trade partners. The West is not above using military force. Everyone knows about Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and a number of other countries. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Recent international developments have revealed the true colours of those who have so far claimed an almost exclusive right to define “universal values” acting under the guise of the “rules-based order.” The proponents of this concept are trying to impose rules and interaction mechanisms that benefit only them, to replace equal candid dialogue with small coalitions that act in a non-transparent manner and monopolise the right to speak and act on behalf of the entire world.

Just like the Global Majority countries, Russia advocates a fairer international order based on the sovereign equality of states that relies on the balance of power and interests. As a team, we aim to promote a future-oriented, constructive international agenda. Strengthening the role of the country-to-country formats that advocate collective approaches to international development becomes particularly important in this context.

BRICS is one such association where the principles of equal cooperation - mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, solidarity, continuity and, of course, consensus - have been implemented in real life, not in words. I’m convinced that BRICS is driven by the wind of change, since its role in addressing global challenges will increase which can be seen from the steady growth in the number of countries that are genuinely interested in joining our association. In this context, we expect to see productive discussions during a separate session today with the participation of a number of like-minded BRICS countries.

Colleagues,

Russia’s chairmanship is gaining momentum. About 70 events have been held, and more are to come. Notably, all BRICS partners took a constructive part in them. Work is underway on key Russian initiatives in the transport sphere, the creation of the Contact Group on Climate and Sustainable Development, the Working Group on Nuclear Medicine, and the Medical Association.

Major efforts are underway to implement the decisions of the Johannesburg Summit of 2023, in particular, in terms of improving the international monetary system and developing a platform for making payments in national currencies in bilateral trade. In accordance with the instruction issued by the leaders at the Johannesburg Summit, we are focusing particularly on harmonising modalities for establishing a category of BRICS partner states.

Our agenda is extensive and includes items that will have a direct impact on the future international order and the creation of its fair foundations.

South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

The rapidly expanding Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) bloc is starting its quest for a common currency with a strategy to make 80% of all trade amongst members in local currencies.
The BRICS bloc will also be looking to create a settlement payment system that would be independent of foreign currency and foreign banking systems, as moves are made away from the dominant US dollar.

The BRICS Experts Forum met this past weekend to discuss, “The Role of BRICS in the Search for a New World Order” on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where Russia announced that it was already spearheading the initiative.
Russia's first deputy chairman for the State Duma, Alexander Zhukov, said there was a “major trend” for the alliance nations to have committed to lessening their reliance on the US dollar as they continue to facilitate the integration of a multi-polar world.
“It is necessary to enhance the role of BRICS in the international finance system and expand the use of national currencies in settlements,” Zhukov said.

“It is one of the key topics nowadays. It is necessary to create a settlement payment system that would be independent of foreign currency and foreign banking systems.”
Analysts said much as this was a good a starting point to develop a common currency, the reality of the currency change was far off, as there were no good economic reasons as opposed to political reasons for it.
They pointed out factors such as the BRICS members’ geographical distant, a lack of common language, and limited trade with each other as opposed to European common currency members as factors that would hinder the progress of the BRICS currency.

Old Mutual Wealth investment strategist, Izak Odendaal, said the main use for haste on a BRICS currency was insulation of some countries from US sanctions, an issue for Russia and China, but not for India, SA and Brazil.
“It would also help the commodity importers, India and China, by not having to earn US dollars to pay for imports,” Odendaal said.
“But for the rest, it doesn’t necessarily help much. One of the main benefits of the US dollar is that everyone uses it, so it is like having a common language.”

Momentum Investments economist, Sanisha Packirisamy, said it was expected that the the US dollar will remain the world’s reserve currency in the short-to-medium-term given that despite China and Russia dumping US treasuries of late, the overall trend of US treasury ownership has been upheld over recent years.
Packirisamy said the demand for US assets remained robust and demand for the US dollar for transactional purposes remained steady.
“Even though major central banks like the People’s Bank of China have been mopping up gold reserves, the predominant currency in foreign currency reserves for central banks across the globe remains the US dollar,” she said.

“Extra-BRICS trade remains small and the intra-BRICS trade is still largely with China and this will influence the currencies used for trade.”
Packirisamy also pointed out that longer term, they would expect further efforts to develop a BRICS currency.
However, Packirisamy said this will remain a significant challenge given the differing economic situations of the countries involved, their differing monetary policies and inflation outcomes.

Moreover, she said there was no common central bank across these countries to effectively govern the currency.
“In our view, US dollar supremacy will wane in the long term given the enormous debt challenges that the US faces and the risk of diminishing sovereignty, but this is likely a longer-term story that will unfold,” she said.
Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said BRICS members can realise the full potential of economic partnership for mutually beneficial and inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development.

“We therefore welcome the establishment of a Task Force to prepare a “BRICS Report on Improving the International Monetary and Financial System” and Central Bank discussions on the feasibility of establishing a BRICS international settlement and depository platform,“ Pandor said.
“South Africa supports efforts to improve the stability of the International Monetary and Financial System, particularly through enhancing the interconnectivity of supply chains and payment systems to promote trade and investment among BRICS members and the broader global South.”

Russia
Source: brics-plus-analytics.org

What are the BRICS+ multipliers?

The current paradigm of BRICS expansion focused on the expansion of the core and the creation of a “partnership belt” presents clear short-term opportunities (in the form of an enlarged platform with a greater weight on the international arena), but is fraught with longer term challenges (need for clear selection criteria, mounting difficulty of arriving at a consensus). Thus far the one approach that may harbor even greater economic dividends, while being somewhat more flexible than the current approach to BRICS expansion, is the “integration of integrations”, namely the BRICS+ cooperation between the regional integration arrangements of BRICS economies and their regional development institutions. Such an approach offers what we refer to as “BRICS+ multipliers” across a whole range of areas of economic cooperation among developing countries, including in trade, investment, stabilization/anti-crisis policies, in the financial sphere as well as in the representation of developing economies within the BRICS+ platform as well as more broadly on the international arena.

In the trade sphere the BRICS+ multiplier is predicated on the fact that BRICS-5 economies have their priority regional integration blocs and conduct their trade policy (the majority of the five BRICS economies) through their respective regional integration arrangements – Brazil via MERCOSUR, Russia via the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and South Africa via the South African Customs Union (SACU) as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) once it becomes fully operational. Accordingly, a trade liberalization agenda within BRICS inherently takes on a wider, BRICS+ format, due to the need to engage the respective regional partners from the integration blocs led by BRICS economies. When Brazil or Russia embark on a more open trade policy via-a-vis African countries (perhaps vis-à-vis the entire AfCFTA bloc) they also need to get their regional partners from MERCOSUR and EAEU on board. The number of economies that open up their markets in this process is effectively expanded by the number of regional partners in the respective blocs. Such a path to trade liberalization through the “BRICS+ trade multiplier” is particularly appealing given the lack of liberalization impulses from the WTO and the rising protectionism across the global economy.

In the investment sphere, the BRICS+ format that involves the regional development arrangements of the Global South (regional development banks and regional financing arrangements where BRICS countries are members) can generate multiplier effects by raising the potential GDP growth rates of core BRICS economies and their neighboring partners via regional connectivity projects. This greater regional connectivity financed by regional development banks along with BRICS institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB) may also boost the long-term trade potential between BRICS and their regional partners, laying thus the foundations for stronger intra-regional growth impulses and multiplier effects across the main geographies of the Global South. 

There may also be substantial multiplier effects associated with BRICS anti-crisis stimuli that if coordinated and amplified via regional integration arrangements and regional development institutions may generate a far more powerful multiplier effect on demand in the main regions of the Global South. The original stimuli coming from the core BRICS economies may boost demand in the respective neighboring partners via the regional integration linkages and may be amplified by coordinated investments in the region via the co-financing of investment projects by regional and national development institutions. Higher demand in the regional partners in turn expands the scope for further export-led growth impulses from the core BRICS economies.

In the financial sphere, there could also be “multiplier effects” associated with spreading the use of national currencies of BRICS+ countries and de-dollarization from the level of core BRICS economies to their respective regional blocs and regional partners. The creation of new payment systems and platforms that are predicated on the use of national currencies need to be grounded in the BRICS+ format that brings together the respective regional integration arrangements and regional development institutions – the latter in turn may also generate further increases in the use of national currencies in their financing operations.

Finally, one may also invoke a BRICS+ multiplier pertaining to the representation of the Global South, particularly small economies, on the international arena in international organizations (as part of the BRICS+ grouping) and economic cooperation platforms. The one-by-one expansion in the BRICS core membership is a process that is likely to be slow and fraught with contradictions over which economies are to get an early ticket into the club. In contrast, the approach that brings regional integration arrangements of the Global South together is far more expeditious and inclusive in that it provides an equal access of developing economies to the BRICS+ platform, whether they are heavyweights or small economies. The “integration of integrations” BRICS+ track thus avoids the pitfalls of BRICS turning into yet another “elitist club” like the G7 or the G20. We have already written extensively on this “representation BRICS+ multiplier” in our earlier publications and would note again that such a BRICS+ approach in terms of its inclusivity would be superior to any other global or regional platform:

The operation of the above BRICS+ multipliers may reinforce each other if trade liberalization within such a BRICS+ framework is combined with targeted stimulus and investment undertaken by the regional integration arrangements of the Global South together with the respective regional development institutions. Thus far the BRICS approach has been to invite representatives of regional blocs to BRICS+ summits, with no clear roadmap being delineated on how trade, investment and financial cooperation is to evolve across the regional blocs and regional development institutions of the Global South. The lack of progress in moving towards forming such a BRICS+ platform (BRICS+ as a concept and as a key BRICS initiative were launched 7 years ago in 2017) as well as the scarcity of academic research on how such a BRICS+ approach could impact the Global South limits the scale of economic dynamism and vitality that the BRICS project could deliver to the developing world.

Russia
Source: bricskazan2024.games

The Opening Ceremony of the BRICS Sports Games, held in Russia for the first time in history, took place in the Concert Hall n.a. I. Shakirov at Kazan Expo on 12 June. Around 4,000 athletes from more than 90 countries all over the world will participate in the Games. The athletes will compete in 27 sports at 17 sports venues in Kazan and Moscow.

The official part of the Ceremony took off with a video message from the President of the Russian Federation – Vladimir Putin.

«Friends, I am delighted to welcome participants and guests of the BRICS Sports Games in Russia.

For two weeks, the competitions will bring together over 3,000 athletes from almost 100 states. I am confident that this large-scale sports festival will demonstrate the triumph of universal values of sport, equal opportunities and an honest and uncompromising struggle.

The hospitable, distinctive and unique Kazan and Moscow are hosting the BRICS Sports Games. These cities boast a rich history, a multi-ethnic culture and traditions. At the same time, these modern cities are gearing for the future.

All this aligns with the spirit and nature of BRICS, an association of sovereign countries which are developing dynamically, yet retain their identity.

They jointly address large-scale objectives and provide an example of truly partner-like and equitable relations, based on trust, strong friendship and respect for each other’s interests.

I would like to note that the Sports Games, held under the auspices of our organization, are an important part of multilateral political, economic and humanitarian interaction. The role of BRICS in global affairs continues to increase rapidly. I am therefore confident that the Games, as a competition free from political interference and pressure that truly unites athletes from around the world, will become more popular and attractive. All the more so as they will be held in an open format for the first time this year. Consequently, the Games will become yet another symbol of expanding inter-cultural dialogue, making a weighty contribution to strengthening friendship among nations and facilitating interstate interaction in the interests of people and universal development.

I wish successful starts and brilliant victories to athletes and their mentors, and bright and unforgettable impressions to spectators and fans.

I hereby declare the 2024 BRICS Sport Games open!»

The Ceremony by tradition included a parade of athletes from more than 90 countries. Some of the participants will compete for the first medals of the BRICS Games tomorrow, on 13 June. The colourful costume performance featured the State Chamber Choir and State Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with Honoured and People’s Artists of the Republic – Elmira Kalimullina, Gulnora Gatina, Anton Polodyuk and others, as well as popular music and dance ensembles.

During the Opening Ceremony, the audience traveled through a metaphorical universe and discovered a new star: the star of the BRICS Games. Through the exuberant performances, the visitors were immersed into the times of the Volga Bulgaria, where caravans, guided by the stars, followed the Great Silk Road, all the while increasing their knowledge, enriching the cultures and traditions of their countries, and strengthening international ties.

After that, the spectators got to see the works of the Russian artists, musicians, and writers, and learn more about the achievements of Soviet scientists, as well as the courage and bravery of pioneers, who opened new worlds and discovered new limits of possibilities for us.

Whereas the brightest stars in the modern Universe are sports stars: people who lead by example, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit and our endless abilities. It is the participants of the BRICS Games who are the new stars of the world sport – the beacons for future generations!

Russia
Source: russiancouncil.ru

In April 2024, Russia announced its proposals for the BRICS Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. The priorities for the year of Russia’s chairmanship included: issues of a just transition, adaptation to climate change, natural solutions, carbon markets and carbon pricing. Initiatives to share experience in the development of carbon markets and implementation of adaptation measures, as well as a proposal to foster scientific climate cooperation sparked considerable interest.

The discussion of climate agenda within BRICS already has a certain background. With its proposal, Russia took an important step towards institutionalizing the dialogue by establishing the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. In 2015, during the period preceding the adoption of the Paris Agreement, at the 7^th BRICS summit in Ufa the countries emphasized in their final declaration their readiness to address climate change at both the global and national levels. Despite this declaration, the climate issue has long remained an element of dialogues and cooperation on sustainable development rather than a stand-alone item on the BRICS agenda. The climate issue came out of the “environmental” canopy after the BRICS High-Level Meeting on Climate Change, held remotely in the year of China’s presidency on May 13, 2022.

All of Russia’s initiatives refer to different areas of international climate cooperation – from a just transition, carbon markets and pricing to mitigation of climate change mainly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The interest in carbon markets can be explained by the willingness shared by the BRICS nations to ensure the inflow of foreign investment in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and energy infrastructure.

The same argument is generally applicable to climate change adaptation. It is known that international climate finance (from developed to developing countries) is accompanied by a serious imbalance towards the financing of greenhouse gas emission reduction projects, while adaptation measures attract much less financial resources. Even within the Green Climate Fund (GCF), overseen by the UNFCCC, there is a skew in the ratio of financial assistance channeled in favor of mitigation over adaptation. The benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are global, as greenhouse gases are well mixed in the atmosphere, while the benefits of adaptation are largely local and depend entirely on a country’s ability to build a climate risk management system and integrate it with urban planning, emergency response and prevention policies, sectoral regulation.

For a long time, the motives for developing climate cooperation among the “old” BRICS members were driven by political rather than economic interests. Therefore, discussions and references to climate in the summary documents did not go further than that. The BRICS platform was not even used by countries to hold consultations during important processes under the UNFCCC, as is usually the case in the G20.

The events in Ukraine and the expansion of BRICS in membership are likely to change this situation. It is quite unlikely that all priorities will be worked out equally well with partners during Russia’s presidency, so it makes sense to analyze the documents to understand the existing groundwork in this area.

Adaptation to climate change

Climate change adaptation is a relatively new item on the BRICS climate agenda. The BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2025 mentioned that many nations were ready to raise climate change awareness risks and open a financial window for adaptation projects in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). Indeed, the NDB’s Overall Strategy 2022-2026 contains a target to use 40% of the financial resources raised for projects that address climate change and adaptation (without specifying the fund allocation ratio). The same document stated that the NDB “will, to the extent possible, consider disaster resilience in the preparation and implementation of its projects.” However, the NDB made this decision in line with the general policy of international development banks to strengthen their compliance with the Paris Agreement goals rather than with the BRICS strategies.

BRICS member states (except Iran), as parties to the Paris Agreement, are obliged to provide information on adaptation activities within nationally determined guidelines. In addition, as a result of the Conference of the Parties to the FCCC in 2010, a process was launched for developing countries to prepare and submit National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which is now linked to Green Climate Fund grants and, as it was before, to UN development agencies and the World Bank providing support. Among the BRICS nations, it is Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa that report adaptation policies in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. Brazil, Ethiopia and South Africa are devising national plans to receive funds from international development agencies. Egypt, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have not yet formulated climate change adaptation policies. Thus, of all the BRICS+ nations that have an adaptation policy, only Russia and China do not link its implementation to the receipt of international aid.

Clearly, in the BRICS context, adaptation financing can only be disbursed on a South-to-South basis, i.e. voluntarily. Meanwhile, finance is an important—but not the only—component of adaptation cooperation. The availability of tools for integrated assessment of the climate change impact on the BRICS economies and, conversely, the climate policies and measures taken by countries that could be used for adaptation planning, are of paramount importance. Such tools are now actively developed by some of the BRICS nations, such as China or South Africa. Other members of BRICS, like India, are working with these countries to develop the said tools. Given that all BRICS states are highly exposed to both physical and transition risks, the contribution of risk assessment tools to adaptation planning cannot be overemphasized. In addition, businesses, municipalities (especially cities) and local communities may be interested in developing climate risk assessment tools that are tailored to the needs of different sectors based on their geographical location.

The 6^th coordinated BRICS multilateral project competition within the BRICS Science and Technology Framework 2023 focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, but among the research priorities there was none that would be directly linked to ensuring adaptation-related decision-making. This is surprising if one considers the current interest in climate risk management among BRICS central banks and financial institutions in general, which perceive climate change risks as a serious threat to their resilience and sustainability.

In the contact group discussions on adaptation in the year of Russia’s chairmanship, it is important to raise the issues of creating climate risk assessment tools accessible to a wide range of users and stimulating applied research on adaptation planning – for example, in cities. It will be equally important to link the results of projects and studies to NDB priorities and policies, to discussions within the interbank cooperation mechanism, and to support them with bilateral agreements on the development of monitoring and natural disaster risk mitigation systems.

A Just Energy Transition and BRICS Carbon Market Perspectives

Fully in line with the ideas of common but differentiated responsibilities actively supported by the new and old BRICS members and seeking to avoid climate measures imposing serious burdens on developing nations, Russia has proposed to discuss a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The very notion of a “just transition” has been extensively used by the European Union since its Green Deal was announced.

A just transition has a very broad meaning, but the main component is the need to mitigate the negative impact of an accelerated transition to a carbon-free economy on the poor, the fossil fuel labor market, and to “ensure that the substantial benefits of the transition to a green economy are widely shared.” But what is meant by a just transition in the framework of the association?
South Africa’s 2023 Chairmanship Program contained a paragraph on “developing partnerships for a just transition,” but this idea did not go any further in the final declaration of the summit. It was noted that the bloc’s member states:

• welcome increased cooperation and investment in supply chains for the energy transition and recognize the need to fully participate in the global clean energy value chain,
• recognize the role of fossil fuels in supporting energy security and energy transition and call for cooperation among BRICS nations on technology neutrality, as well as the adoption of common, efficient, clear, fair and transparent standards and rules for assessing emissions, developing compatible taxonomies of sustainable projects, and carbon accounting.

Thus, “equity” is understood in the BRICS context as the problem of global inequality of benefits gained from the energy transition and the right of nations to determine their own means of achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement, politically neutral standards and rules for reporting emissions and generating carbon units from climate projects, rather than supporting people and industries in decarbonization programs.

To succinctly describe the emerging consensus on a just transition within BRICS, a short formula would be enough: “more investment in energy”. It describes grid construction, production of renewable energy equipment, modernization of fossil fuel-fired power generation capacity, etc. It is still premature to say whether there’s been an unambiguous political choice of the BRICS member states in favor of green energy.

Currently, BRICS comprises countries with opposite strategic orientations in the field of energy. Importing countries such as China, India, South Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt are interested in reducing their dependence on foreign energy supplies, while Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE seek to jump on the last train of the fossil fuel era and establish channels of energy trade for decades to come.
The BRICS nations are now looking for additional sources of financing to address energy poverty and reduce their carbon footprints. Besides, representatives of commercial circles have recently proposed on various platforms of the association to discuss a voluntary carbon market, which could become a source of investment. The initiative can be launched through agreeing on a common methodology for climate projects, approaches to their implementation and verification of results (carbon units) with subsequent mutual recognition of standards for disclosure of information on greenhouse gas emissions.

Of all BRICS member states, only China has a national carbon market, and Russia has only recently created the requisite infrastructure. Therefore, the discussion of the carbon market should be preceded by an exchange of views on approaches to carbon pricing, the role of compensation mechanisms (climate offsets) in achieving each country’s national climate goals. After all, the proposed initiative should take into account the international voluntary market for carbon units that has already existed for many years, as well as the emerging market under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. How should companies from BRICS nations be “locked in” on the association’s carbon market is another difficult question.

Finally, a key obstacle to the BRICS carbon market, including a common registry and methodology for climate projects, lies in the very nature of the climate goals that the countries set for themselves. At present, only Russia, Brazil, Iran and Ethiopia have set economy-wide targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Table 1)

This factor predetermines a significant difference in the supply and demand of carbon units, and most importantly – in their “cost”. Companies from countries that do not have quantitative commitments to reduce emissions will be in an obviously more favorable position, while there’s not much clarity on the motive for establishing an external pool of BRICS carbon units instead of stimulating the implementation of climate projects within jurisdictions. Given the existing commitments under the Paris Agreement, the BRICS carbon market is at risk of being left without buyers.
***
The BRICS climate agenda cannot and should not be considered in isolation from the strategic guidelines of its member in terms of trade and investment, energy, and technology. It is not another “sphere” of interaction among the BRICS members, nor is it a continuation of the climate policy that the member states pursue by other means. The climate agenda of any intergovernmental association is a dense tangle of agreements and compromises reached in dialogues on trade and economic issues. The presiding country may propose a specific pool of topics for the climate track, but this is not what sets the dynamics of the relationship. The real driving force will be converging interests—not necessarily national interests, but sectoral and private interests, as well as available resources and opportunities, coupled with the political will to use and/or exchange them.

A serious limiting factor for the climate agenda in the BRICS context is the institutional “laxity” of the association. Since Russia took over BRICS chairmanship in 2024, more than 50 events of various levels have already been held on a wide range of issues, but there is no mechanism for aggregating the results of dialogues, tracking the implementation of agreements and no channel for “spillover” between different formats of meetings. There is no mechanism to account for the results of discussions within the thematic tracks in the final documents of BRICS summits. For example, it would be productive to discuss climate change adaptation issues around recommendations for the NDB, as the results of applied research could be linked to the work of the Interbank Cooperation Mechanism and other platforms with financial institutions participating.

Amid the serious pressure of anti-Russian sanctions on the global energy market and the accelerated transit of the EU and China to carbon-free energy, Russia is now considering the nations of BRICS as important partners in energy trade. There is already ample evidence of this dynamic. In recent years, Russia has significantly increased its natural gas supplies to China and coal supplies to India. Russia and India have started to cooperate in the nuclear industry. The volume of China’s energy trade transactions with BRICS has been growing in 2024, although it accounts for less than 15% of the country’s total trade.

In the meantime, individual BRICS members are actively developing mutual trade in renewable energy technologies, and companies within BRICS, especially Chinese, are expanding access to critical raw materials (lithium, bauxite, cobalt, etc.) needed for the energy transition. Nevertheless, it remains far from clear how the expansion of BRICS might affect green energy technology markets. Meanwhile, this is precisely one of the key issues on the BRICS climate agenda.

Specific initiatives are to be preceded by dialogue on approaches to the relevant policies in both climate change adaptation and a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Even a cursory analysis of the current situation shows that these approaches are still too diverse. At the same time, the experience of the pandemic, EU and U.S. sanctions policies have shown how quickly and easily global supply chains, whereon the developing economies of BRICS heavily depend, can be disrupted. Thus, the threat of de-globalization emerges as the main driver for the rapprochement of countries. Yet, common interests of the BRICS nations can be short-term or long-term. BRICS climate agenda could be essential for building longer-term common interests. To do so, it must be consistent with national goals for low-emission sustainable development, the basis for which has to be established now.