BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro
The BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's chairmanship on July 6-7. This was the first summit with BRICS’ expanded membership, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Key Outcomes and Declarations
- Two specific statements were made on climate finance and AI governance.
- Despite warnings from the US president about potential tariffs, the declaration raised issues about unilateral tariff measures, subtly referencing the US without naming it.
- Concerns were also expressed about protectionism under environmental pretexts, indirectly referencing the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
International Relations and Reform
- Emphasis was placed on UN reform, with China and Russia supporting Brazil and India’s aspiration for a greater UN role, although not explicitly backing their permanent Security Council membership.
- The need to reform the Bretton Woods Institutions and the WTO, including restoring the dispute settlement system, was highlighted.
Key Regional and Global Issues
- The declaration addressed the conflict in Ukraine, advocating diplomacy and mediation while recalling national positions.
- Strong language was used concerning the Middle East, particularly the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and Gaza.
- BRICS leaders pushed for an independent Palestinian state and endorsed ceasefire negotiations.
Terrorism and Security
- Condemnation of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 was unanimous, reaffirming the commitment to combat terrorism.
- References to combating cross-border terrorism and financing were made, bolstering India's stance against Pakistan at FATF meetings.
Global Economic Cooperation
- The G20 was reaffirmed as the key forum for international economic cooperation, with strong support for South Africa's presidency amidst US-South Africa tensions.
Conclusion
The BRICS summit concluded with a strong declaration despite the absence of key leaders from China, Russia, and some new member states, emphasizing a multipolar world.
