Joint Statement by BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa

On April 25, 2024, the BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) met in Moscow, Russia, to exchange views on the current situation in the region. The following points were discussed:

1. The ministers expressed serious concern over continued conflicts in the MENA region, particularly the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which poses threats to regional and international peace and security. They called for the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions to achieve an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire.

2. They condemned terrorism and extremism in the region and called for the adherence to international humanitarian law and international human rights law. They emphasized the need for the protection of civilians and civilian objects.

3. The ministers expressed deep concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the onset of famine. They called for increased access to humanitarian aid and the provision of essential goods and services to the affected population.

4. They condemned the killing of humanitarian aid workers and the targeting of humanitarian premises in Gaza and called for the protection of these facilities.

5. The ministers reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its role in providing assistance to the Palestinian people. They emphasized the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under Palestinian authority.

6. They expressed their unwavering support for the vision of a two-state solution based on international law, including relevant UNSC and General Assembly resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. They called for the restoration of Palestinian unity on the political platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

7. The ministers stressed the importance of preventing the expansion of the armed confrontation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and called for the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions.

8. They emphasized the need to protect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political stability of Lebanon and condemned any acts of provocation and violations of sovereignty in the region.

9. The ministers stressed the importance of following the principles enshrined in relevant UNSC resolutions, specifically Resolution 2254, in resolving the Syrian issue. They called for the resumption of Syria’s participation in the League of Arab States and the continuation of efforts for the political resolution of the Syrian issue.

10. They condemned the attack on the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus by Israel and called for immediate de-escalation.

11. They reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and called for a political settlement to the Yemeni issue.

12. The ministers expressed deep concern regarding the repercussions of the attacks on maritime navigation in Baab Al-Mandab and the Red Sea and reaffirmed the importance of respecting the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Baab Al-Mandab strait in accordance with international law.

13. They stressed the importance of the international community’s constant engagement with Iraq and the development of cooperation prospects in various fields. They reaffirmed their support for Iraq’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and called for the protection of their national security and stability.

14. They stressed their support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Sudan. They expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan. They called for non interference in the Sudanese conflict. They expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in the country. They called for redoubling of global efforts to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. They deeply regret the deaths and injuries of civilians. They called for an unconditional, urgent and sustained ceasefire and stressed the need to respect international law, including International humanitarian law. They also stressed the importance of a Sudanese-led process toward restoration of civilian rule. They encouraged all parties in Sudan to return to political process so that peace can be achieved. They stressed the need of preventing the conflict from expanding to other countries in the region and underscored the need for harmonized and coordinated peace process, including the recognition of the role of the AU and under Sudanese national ownership. They reiterated their support to regional efforts aimed at finding a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the crisis. They welcomed regional efforts and initiatives aimed at conveying basic messages in order to halt escalation and reach a sustainable ceasefire agreement, as well as to preserve the cohesion of the Sudanese state, and to urge the international community to provide all humanitarian and medical assistance to meet the needs of the Sudanese people.

15. They agreed to meet again under Brazil’s Chairship of BRICS in 2025. In this regard they reiterated the need to hold regular consultations on the Middle East and North Africa, including at the UN. They decided to hold annual working-level mid-term consultations in preparation for the BRICS Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoys meeting on the Middle East and North Africa