The leaders of the BRICS countries adopted a declaration at the Seventeenth Summit of the organization in Rio de Janeiro, which mentions the most pressing international issues, as well as sets the guidelines for the further development of the organization, BTA reported, citing world agencies.
Among the main topics of the declaration are the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, cooperation in space exploration, healthcare, and the fight against terrorism.
Ukraine
The participants in the meeting expressed hope that the current efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine will lead to lasting peace.
The text does not mention the mediation efforts of the United States or Turkey. At the same time, BRICS leaders expressed gratitude for mediation proposals and good practices, including the creation of the African Peace Initiative and the Friends of Peace Group.
Risk of nuclear war
The countries of the organization expressed concerns about the growing risks of nuclear conflict. They reaffirmed the need to activate the system of nuclear disarmament and arms control, as well as non-proliferation.
Middle East
The BRICS leaders expressed concern about conflicts and instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
They condemned Israel's strikes on Iran, calling them a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
The parties also called for the continuation of negotiations on the Gaza Strip, which should lead to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
They welcomed the lifting of sanctions on Syria and expressed hope that this would support efforts to rebuild the state. The countries of the organization also confirmed their commitment to the independence and territorial integrity of Syria.
Against unilateral sanctions and terrorism
The BRICS countries condemned, in their words, the practice of unilateral economic sanctions, including secondary ones, which contradict international law. They hinder economic development, ensure food security and aggravate environmental problems, the declaration said.
The BRICS leaders called for the earliest possible adoption of a convention to combat international terrorism. They condemned all acts of terrorism, regardless of their goals and motives, as well as when, where and by whom they were committed. Terrorism should not be associated with any religion or nationality, the document emphasizes.
Plans for the future
The BRICS countries reached an agreement in principle to establish the organization's Space Council. It is needed to "facilitate further cooperation in space activities within the organization," the declaration said.
The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of developing the organization's grain exchange. They called for the organization of trade in other agricultural goods and raw materials through it.
The BRICS countries intend to approximate the regulatory framework for the regulatory authorities of the countries' medical products, to cooperate in the field of nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals, to jointly fight various diseases, the declaration also states.
They expressed support for initiatives for the ethical use of artificial intelligence and reliable data management in healthcare systems, and agreed to support efforts to promote “local and indigenous sports among the BRICS countries and around the world“.
The leaders also approved a work plan for 2025-2028, in which the main attention is focused on creating reliable early warning systems for natural disasters and increasing response capacity.
The next summit of BRICS will be held in 2026 in India, which will chair the organization.