BRICS Expands Membership, G20 Continues Productive Functioning: Foreign Ministers Highlight Global Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Foreign Ministers of the BRICS member nations convened on September 20 during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Chaired by the Russian Federation, which will assume the role of BRICS Chair in 2024, the meeting focused on various global issues including the expansion of BRICS membership, the functioning of the G20, and efforts to ensure global security and counter-terrorism.
The meeting highlighted the consensus reached at the 15th BRICS Summit regarding the principles and criteria for the expansion of BRICS. As of January 1, 2024, the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will become full members of BRICS.
Regarding the G20, the Foreign Ministers expressed their support for its continued productive functioning and commended India’s successful hosting of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi. They also welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
The Ministers acknowledged the upcoming presidencies of India, Brazil, and South Africa in the G20 from 2023 to 2025. They emphasized the need for continuity and collaboration to amplify the voice of the global South in the G20 agenda. This commitment aims to ensure a balanced approach and integration of perspectives from the global South.
The Ministers strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, recognizing the threat it poses to global security. They committed to combat terrorism, including its cross-border movement, financing networks, and safe havens. It was reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group.
The meeting emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and balanced approach by the international community to effectively curb terrorist activities, especially in the current pandemic environment. The Ministers called for the finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework. They also supported launching multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism.
In terms of UN reform, including its Security Council, the Foreign Ministers supported a comprehensive restructuring to make it more democratic, representative, effective, and efficient. They emphasized the need to increase the representation of developing countries, including Brazil, India, and South Africa, so that the Security Council can respond adequately to global challenges.
The meeting concluded with a briefing on Russia’s upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2024. Brazil, India, China, and South Africa expressed their full support for Russia’s chairship and the holding of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan under the theme Strengthening of multilateralism for the purposes of just global development and security. The Foreign Ministers also looked forward to a standalone meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations in Russia in 2024.
Overall, the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting emphasized the expansion of membership, the productive functioning of the G20, and efforts to enhance global security and counter-terrorism measures. The commitment to a balanced approach, UN reform, and the fight against terrorism reflects the collective efforts of the BRICS member nations to foster international cooperation and ensure a peaceful and secure world.
