The Foreign ministers of the association also supported the reform of the UN, including its Security Council
MOSCOW, September 21. /tass/. At a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the BRICS foreign Ministers expressed their full support for Russia's chairmanship in the association, which will begin on January 1, 2024. The text of the ministerial statement is posted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The ministers were informed about the preparations for Russia's upcoming BRICS presidency in 2024. Brazil, India, China and South Africa expressed their full support for Russia's BRICS presidency in 2024 under the motto "Strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security" and the holding of the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia," the document says.
The ministers also noted that they expect a full-format meeting of the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries to be held in Russia in 2024.
The foreign ministers also outlined the positions of their countries on the conflict in and around Ukraine and noted with appreciation the proposals for mediation for settlement.
"The Ministers reiterated their national positions on the conflict in and around Ukraine, voiced at relevant forums, including the Security Council and the UN General Assembly, and noted with appreciation the relevant proposals for mediation and good offices in the interests of a peaceful settlement of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," the document says.
UN reform
In addition, the Ministers expressed concern about the ongoing conflicts in many regions of the world. "They reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and comprehensive consultations based on coordination and cooperation, and supported all efforts contributing to the peaceful settlement of crises. They reiterated the need for full compliance with international humanitarian law and the provision of humanitarian assistance in accordance with the basic principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence enshrined in UN General Assembly resolution 46/182," the statement says.
In addition, the Foreign Ministers supported the reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to increase its democracy, representativeness, efficiency and effectiveness.
"The Ministers supported the comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, in order to increase its democracy, representativeness, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as increase the representation of developing countries in all categories of membership in the Council, so that it can adequately respond to current global challenges, and supported the legitimate aspirations of developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, will play a more significant role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council," the foreign Ministry said.
In addition, the heads of diplomatic departments during the meeting "stressed that the participation of the BRICS countries in the work of the UN Security Council, including Brazil as an elected member for the period 2022-2023, is a valuable opportunity to further enhance the importance of our dialogue on international peace and security and to continue cooperation in areas of mutual interest."
It was also pointed out at Smolenskaya Square that the ministers noted "the importance of continuous efforts aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN's activities in fulfilling its mandates." "They called on the BRICS countries to further cooperate in improving the resource provision of the UN, its administrative management and budget, preserving the role of member states as the driving force of the UN, as well as ensuring more effective oversight of the Organization's activities and strengthening it," the statement emphasizes.
