Mauro Vieira participates in meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Russia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, was present at the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, held this Monday, 10. During the event, Vieira welcomed the presence of his counterparts from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates , Ethiopia and Iran.

Vieira highlighted that the world faces significant challenges, such as hunger, poverty and global warming, in addition to conflicts and humanitarian disasters.

He expressed concern about the marginalization or paralysis of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, as well as the blatant disregard for international law, citing the example of Gaza.

However, the minister emphasized that, against all odds, BRICS represents the growing influence of the Global South in international affairs. He cited the 2023 Johannesburg II Summit Declaration as a solid basis for moving forward.

Vieira highlighted the importance of topics such as currencies, payment instruments and local platforms, raised by President Lula in previous summits. He expressed confidence that these issues will be addressed during Brazil’s BRICS presidency next year.

Furthermore, Vieira defended the strengthening of multilateralism, especially in the United Nations, and proposed the creation of a “BRICS membership category” for countries interested in participating in the group.

Representatives of member countries have been discussing principles, criteria and procedures for this possible association, with expectations of reaching a consensus by the next summit, in October 2024, in Kazan.

Vieira reiterated Brazil’s commitment to working constructively under the guidance of President Lula to strengthen BRICS, which he considers indispensable to promote the interests of the Global South.