Brazil opens BRICS meeting with call to end wars, global tensions
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira urged BRICS—a bloc of 11 emerging and developing nations—to pursue diplomatic efforts to help resolve regional wars and conflicts.
The foreign minister made the statement on Monday (Apr. 28) at the opening of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, which concludes Tuesday (Apr. 29) in Rio de Janeiro.
Among those present as Vieira spoke was Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, representing a country currently at war with Ukraine. The conflict began in February 2022, when Russia invaded its neighbor, on the grounds that Ukraine’s rapprochement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)—an alliance of Western countries—put Russian security at risk.
“The conflict in Ukraine continues to have a heavy humanitarian impact, highlighting the urgent need for a diplomatic solution based on the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter,” the minister said.
Vieira noted that, in an effort to end the war, Brazil and China—both BRICS —convened a high-level meeting in New York in September last year. The initiative led to the creation of the Group of Friends of Peace, which brings together Global South countries, primarily developing nations from the southern hemisphere.
“We remain committed to continuing to work for peace and for a political solution to the conflict,” said the Brazilian diplomat.
Multilateralism
The foreign ministers’ meeting is being held at the Itamaraty Palace, which housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for much of the 20th century. The event serves as a platform for the ministers to align their positions ahead of the summit, where heads of state and government will meet on July 6 and 7, also in Rio de Janeiro.
“This meeting is taking place at a time when our role as a group is more vital than ever. We face converging global and regional crises, with humanitarian emergencies, armed conflicts, political instability, and the erosion of multilateralism,” said Vieira.
“With eleven member states representing almost half of humanity and a wide geographical and cultural diversity, BRICS is in a unique position to promote peace and stability based on dialog, development, and multilateral cooperation,” he added.
Mauro Vieira also emphasized that BRICS is united in the belief that peace cannot be imposed, but must be built. He further stated that the group “respects the strategic, economic, and security interests of each member.”
By holding the temporary presidency of BRICS, Brazil is bringing the goal of reforming global governance to the international forum, including the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where only five countries currently hold veto power: the United States, the United Kingdom, , China, and Russia. “This is necessary to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities,” Vieira explained."
Gaza Strip
The minister highlighted conflicts outside the direct involvement of BRICS , including the “devastating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,” which were invaded by Israel in October 2023 following attacks and kidnappings by the Palestinian extremist group Hamas.
“The resumption of Israeli bombing in Gaza and the continued obstruction of humanitarian aid are unacceptable. The collapse of the ceasefire announced on January 15 is deplorable,” said Vieira.
The minister urged both parties to fully adhere to the of the agreement and to work towards a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Brazil s a two-state solution, envisioning an independent and viable State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living peacefully alongside Israel.
Vieira also highlighted the critical situation in Haiti, where armed gangs have dismantled public order, as well as tensions in Sudan, the [African] Great Lakes region, and the Horn of Africa.
The minister emphasized that access to aid in conflict zones must be unconditional and impartial. “Human suffering must never be exploited,” he said.
Mauro Vieira stated that the path to peace “is neither easy nor linear,” but emphasized that BRICS can and must be a force for good—“not as a confrontational bloc, but as a coalition of cooperation.”
“We must lead by example, reaffirming our belief in a multipolar world where security is not the privilege for a few, but a right for all,” he concluded.
Brazilian presidency
Brazil has outlined two key priorities for its temporary presidency:
- Strengthening cooperation within the Global South,
- Fostering partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development.
The centerpiece of Brazil’s presidency will be the summit of heads of state and government, scheduled for July 6 and 7 in Rio de Janeiro.
