The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting took place on March 24, 2014, in The Hague, Netherlands. This meeting was convened by South African Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and brought together the Foreign/International Relations Ministers of the BRICS countries. The meeting was held on the margins of another event, likely an international conference or summit taking place in The Hague at that time. 

The 2014 BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting took place against the backdrop of several significant global events:

1. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, including Russia’s recent annexation of Crimea
2. Preparations for the upcoming 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil (July 2014)
3. Discussions about the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

Meeting Details

Participants

The meeting was attended by:

• Luiz Alberto Figueiredo (Brazil)
• Sergey Lavrov (Russia)
• Sushma Swaraj (India)
• Wang Yi (China)
• Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (South Africa, Chair)

Key Discussion Points

1. Ukraine Crisis: The ministers likely discussed the situation in Ukraine, with particular focus on Russia’s perspective and the other BRICS nations’ positions.
2. BRICS Development Bank: Preparations for the establishment of the New Development Bank, which was formally agreed upon later that year.
3. Global Governance: Discussions on reforming international financial institutions and the United Nations Security Council.
4. Regional Issues: Updates on political developments in various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
5. Economic Cooperation: Ways to enhance intra-BRICS trade and investment.

Outcomes and Significance

While specific outcomes of this meeting are not widely documented, it likely served several important purposes:

1. Coordination: Aligning positions on key international issues ahead of other global forums.
2. Preparation: Laying groundwork for the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil.
3. Solidarity: Demonstrating unity among BRICS nations, particularly in light of Western sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.
4. Economic Planning: Further discussions on the BRICS Development Bank and other economic initiatives.

Broader Context

This meeting was part of a series of BRICS ministerial meetings that complement the annual BRICS Summit. These gatherings help maintain ongoing dialogue and cooperation among the member countries on various global issues, from economic development to geopolitical challenges.The 2014 meeting in The Hague was particularly significant as it came at a time of increasing tensions between Russia and Western nations, highlighting the potential role of BRICS as an alternative forum for international cooperation and diplomacy.