Chinese FM Advocates for Enhanced Cooperation and Openness in Expanded BRICS Bloc
Nizhny Novgorod, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for leveraging the strategic significance of the expanded BRICS group to foster cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. Speaking at the first BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting since the bloc’s expansion, Wang emphasized the need for openness and inclusiveness in building this cooperative platform.
Addressing the attendees, Wang highlighted the ongoing global contention between multipolarity and unipolar hegemony, and between economic globalization and anti-globalization sentiments. He urged that the group align with historical trends and champion fairness and justice.
“Looking to the future, the ‘greater BRICS’ group should shoulder responsibilities and take action,” said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. He stressed the importance of multilateralism and outlined a vision for global development rooted in cooperation and inclusiveness.
The BRICS group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates following the August 2023 summit. The new members officially joined on January 1, 2024.
Wang called for the group to actively protect the international system with the United Nations at its core, resist actions undermining international order, and promote a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. He urged enhanced coordination within BRICS to highlight the contributions of the Global South and prioritize development on international agendas.
Regarding international conflicts, Wang emphasized the importance of dialogue and political solutions. He called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, support for Palestine’s full UN membership, and the restart of the two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East.
On the Ukraine crisis, Wang advocated for a genuine peace conference with equal participation from all parties to explore fair peace options. He stressed that BRICS should uphold independence, objectivity, and impartiality, promote international consensus on peace, and oppose the incitement of a “new Cold War.”
Wang concluded by urging a commitment to openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation to elevate BRICS cooperation.
Following Monday’s meeting, the BRICS foreign ministers issued a joint statement reiterating their shared commitments and goals.