The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on September 21, 2017, was a significant diplomatic event where the foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa convened to discuss various international and regional issues. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, a strategic timing that allowed the ministers to align their positions on global matters discussed at the UN.

Participants

• Brazil: Represented by Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes.
• Russia: Represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• India: Represented by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
• China: Represented by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
• South Africa: Represented by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Key Discussions

Global Governance and Multilateralism

The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in international affairs. They discussed the need for reforming global governance institutions to make them more representative and effective, particularly the UN Security Council.

Economic Cooperation

Economic cooperation among BRICS countries was a major topic. The ministers discussed ways to enhance trade and investment flows, support sustainable development, and promote economic growth within the BRICS framework. They also touched upon the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

Regional Security Issues

The ministers exchanged views on pressing regional security issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula, and Afghanistan. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and maintaining regional stability.

Counterterrorism

Counterterrorism was a critical agenda item. The ministers reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They called for enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and countering terrorist financing.

Climate Change

Climate change and sustainable development were also discussed. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and highlighted the importance of collective action to address climate change. They stressed the need for developed countries to fulfill their commitments on climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Outcomes

Joint Communiqué

The meeting concluded with the issuance of a joint communiqué that summarized the discussions and outlined the collective positions of the BRICS countries on various issues. The communiqué highlighted their commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and international peace and security.

Strengthening BRICS Cooperation

The ministers agreed to continue strengthening BRICS cooperation through regular meetings and consultations. They emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and coordination within the BRICS framework to effectively address global challenges.

Future Engagements

The meeting set the stage for future BRICS engagements, including the annual BRICS Summit and other ministerial meetings. The ministers expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing the role of BRICS in global governance.

Significance

The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2017 was significant for several reasons:

1. Unified Stance: It demonstrated the ability of BRICS countries to present a unified stance on key global issues, enhancing their collective influence in international forums.
2. Enhanced Cooperation: The meeting reinforced the commitment of BRICS countries to deepen their cooperation in various fields, including economic development, security, and sustainable development.
3. Global Impact: By aligning their positions on major global issues, the BRICS countries aimed to contribute to a more balanced and inclusive global order.

The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on September 21, 2017, was a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation among the five emerging economies. It highlighted their collective commitment to addressing global challenges and shaping a more equitable international system.