At a pivotal meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the foreign ministers of the expanded BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—convened to address pressing global issues.
The summit, held on April 28, 2025, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement in conflict resolution.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the group’s dedication to diplomacy over confrontation and cooperation over unilateralism.
He underscored the severe humanitarian impact of the Ukraine conflict, advocating for a diplomatic solution. Similarly, Minister Vieira called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, condemning the resumption of bombings and the obstruction of humanitarian aid as unacceptable.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized the necessity for an immediate ceasefire and the creation of a Palestinian state, in line with United Nations resolutions.
The ministers also addressed the global economic landscape, particularly in light of recent U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump.
Brazil’s top foreign policy adviser, Celso Amorim, noted that BRICS nations are stepping up to defend the international order, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based global system.
In response to U.S. tariffs, BRICS countries are exploring ways to strengthen intra-bloc trade and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. Russian officials reported that 90% of their transactions with BRICS nations in 2024 were conducted in local currencies, signaling a shift towards de-dollarization within the bloc.
The meeting set the stage for the upcoming BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. The summit is expected to focus on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and economic cooperation, with an emphasis on reforming global governance structures to better represent the interests of the Global Sout.
As the world grapples with geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, BRICS nations are positioning themselves as advocates for multilateralism and cooperative solutions, aiming to foster a more balanced and inclusive global order.
