Johannesburg (Agencies): A joint statement released on Wednesday at the 15th annual BRICS summit in South Africa underscores the commitment of member nations to advocate for inclusive multilateralism and addresses concerns about unilateral coercive actions that create pressure on emerging economies.
The landmark gathering in Johannesburg marks a significant milestone for BRICS. Formerly consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the group has expanded to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The comprehensive 26-page declaration reiterates the BRICS leaders’ dedication to principles such as mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, and inclusiveness. They pledge to advance the causes of “sustainable development and inclusive growth.”
The declaration voices apprehension about the application of “unilateral coercive measures,” commonly understood as sanctions, deeming them inconsistent with the UN Charter’s tenets. Such measures, they assert, generate adverse consequences, particularly for developing nations. Over recent years, Western nations have increasingly employed sanctions to exert influence on various states, notably Russia in response to the Ukraine conflict. Russia has repeatedly contested these restrictions, characterizing them as illegal.
Simultaneously, the document affirms BRICS’ support for the “legitimate aspirations” of emerging and developing nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including Brazil, India, and South Africa, to assume more prominent roles in global affairs.
The leaders of BRICS also reassert their dedication to peacefully resolving global conflicts, including the Ukrainian hostilities, and express approval for mediation initiatives aimed at defusing such standoffs.
Addressing additional international matters, the declaration highlights BRICS’ commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution for the Iranian nuclear issue and to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the member states unequivocally denounce terrorism and pledge to combat it in all its manifestations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the intricate negotiation process that produced the joint statement, commending his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, for his adept diplomacy in harmonizing the agreement.
Formed in 2009, the BRICS economic coalition positions itself as an alternative to Western-dominated international institutions. Even prior to its recent expansion, the group accounted for over 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world’s GDP.