The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting took place on September 21, 2010, in New York during the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the BRIC countries, which at that time included Brazil, Russia, India, and China (South Africa joined the group in 2011, changing the acronym to BRICS). The meeting was part of a series of regular gatherings held by the BRICS Foreign Ministers, typically coinciding with the annual UNGA sessions in New York. These meetings serve as a platform for the BRICS countries to discuss and coordinate their positions on various global issues and strengthen their cooperation.

Date and Location

The meeting took place on September 21, 2010, in New York City, coinciding with the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Attendees

The Foreign Ministers of the four BRIC countries were present:

• Brazil: Celso Amorim
• Russia: Sergey Lavrov
• India: S.M. Krishna
• China: Yang Jiechi

Key Discussion Points

While specific details of the discussions are not widely available, based on the typical agenda of BRICS meetings during this period, the Foreign Ministers likely discussed:

1. Global economic governance and reform of international financial institutions
2. Climate change and sustainable development
3. Cooperation within the United Nations framework
4. Regional security issues and peacekeeping efforts
5. Enhancing intra-BRIC cooperation in various sectors

Significance

This meeting was important for several reasons:

1. It demonstrated the growing coordination among BRIC countries on global issues.
2. It helped solidify BRIC as a significant bloc in international affairs.
3. It provided a platform for these emerging economies to voice their collective concerns and aspirations.

Developments Following the Meeting

1. South Africa’s Inclusion: In December 2010, just a few months after this meeting, South Africa was invited to join the group, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
2. Increased Cooperation: The regular meetings of Foreign Ministers contributed to increased cooperation among BRICS countries in various fields, including trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
3. New Development Bank: Discussions during such meetings eventually led to the establishment of the New Development Bank (formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank) in 2014.
4. BRICS Summit 2011: The next major BRICS event after this Foreign Ministers’ meeting was the 2011 BRICS Summit in Sanya, China, which was the first to include South Africa as a full member.

These Foreign Ministers’ meetings continue to play a crucial role in shaping the BRICS agenda and coordinating the group’s positions on global issues, contributing to the growing influence of these emerging economies in international affairs.