Press Release
Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs, New York, September 20, 2016
The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs held their regular meeting on 20 September 2016 on the margins of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
2. The Ministers underlined the marked progress achieved since the first Meeting of Foreign Ministers on the margins of the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2006, in deepening the BRICS strategic partnership based on the principles of openness, solidarity, equality and mutual understanding, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation.
3. The Ministers reiterated their intention to contribute to safeguarding a fair and equitable international order based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They recalled 2005 World Summit Outcome Document. They reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations including its Security Council with a view to making it more representative and efficient.
4. The Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They strongly condemned the recent several attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India. They urged concerted efforts to counter terrorism on a firm international legal basis, under the UN auspices, and expressed their conviction that a comprehensive approach was necessary to ensure effective fight against terrorism. In this regard, they called for an early conclusion of the negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention against Terrorism.
5. The Ministers noted the convening of the BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting as well as the constitution of BRICS Working Group on Counter Terrorism and its first meeting in New Delhi.
6. The Ministers recalled exchanged views on global and regional issues in the economic and political spheres. They are determined to continue to contribute positively to the maintenance of peace, security and stability, including by upholding multilateralism. They also recalled the contribution of BRICS countries in promoting global economic growth.
7. The Ministers recalled the wide range of cooperation in BRICS, and noted with satisfaction, the progress made by the New Development Bank, the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and called for the implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership.
8. The Ministers appreciated India’s BRICS Chairpersonship for the year 2016 and the expansion in range of activities organized to date. They expressed their commitment to ensure the success of the forthcoming 8th BRICS Summit in Goa on 15-16 October 2016.
9. The Ministers reiterated that BRICS countries will continue with their outreach and expand their cooperation with developing countries and emerging market economies in a spirit of solidarity, inclusiveness, and openness.
10. The Ministers welcomed China’s incoming BRICS Chairpersonship in 2017 and expressed confidence that intra-BRICS cooperation will be further strengthened.
11. The Ministers welcomed the fruitful discussion by BRICS Leaders at their Informal Meeting on the margins of the G20 Hangzhou Summit.
12. The Ministers warmly congratulated China for the successful hosting of the G20 Hangzhou Summit. They acknowledged the significant outcomes of the G20 Summit, and called for their full implementation, including in the areas of sustainable development goals, climate change, and on innovation and structural reform as drivers of future economic growth.
13. The Ministers discussed the current state of the global economy, and recognized that global economic recovery continues to be weak and uneven. They reiterated the need to boost world economic growth, macroeconomic policy coordination, improving global economic governance, promoting international trade and investment, addressing income inequality and achieving sustainable development. They called for collective action in this regard.
14. As the Ministers recalled the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they reaffirmed that poverty eradication is the greatest global challenge and committed to continue to work towards the full implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They called upon the international community, especially the developed countries, to fulfill their commitments and provide strong support for developing countries. In this regard they recalled the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and G20 Initiative on Supporting Industrialization in Africa and LDCs.
15. The Ministers emphasized the need for concerted action in addressing global health challenges. In particular they recalled the importance of a common and inclusive approach to development of medicines, research and diagnostic tools to end epidemics and to facilitate the access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines.
16. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change and committed to work towards its entry into force with completion of due domestic procedures and its full implementation. They reiterated the principles of UNFCCC including the principle of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and respective capabilities. They emphasized that developed countries shall continue to provide financial, technical and capacity building support to developing countries with respect to both mitigation and adaptation for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
17. The Ministers expressed their concern over continued conflicts in several regions which undermine stability and security and provide fertile grounds for terrorist activities and cause refugee and migration waves.
18. The Ministers expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East, and stressed that the international community should work together to pave the way for the political settlement of conflicts through dialogue and negotiations. They recognized the efforts of BRICS countries, in particular that of the Russian Federation aimed at achieving a political solution to the international crisis in Syria including Russia-US arrangements agreed upon in Geneva on September 9, 2016.
19. The Ministers underlined the need to enhance further the efforts to resolve conflicts in Africa led by Africa in collaboration with the UN and the international community. They reiterated that the African Stand-by Force and the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis that are being operationalized within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture can contribute significantly to the maintenance of peace and stability on the African continent.
20. The Ministers discussed the possibilities for the mutual support of their initiatives at the 71st session of the UN General Assembly.
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