The inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting was held in Brasilia on February 24-25, gathering representatives from 11 member countries to prepare for the July summit in Rio. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and President Lula emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateralism and cooperation among Global South nations. The Brazilian presidency will focus on economic, social, and environmental development, addressing critical areas such as health, trade, and climate change, while promoting local currency payments to enhance economic resilience.
On February 24-25, Brasilia hosted the inaugural BRICS Sherpas meeting during Brazil’s presidency. This significant event convened representatives from the 11 member states at the Itamaraty Palace, setting the stage for the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. The meeting aims to enhance multilateral cooperation among Global South countries and reform international governance structures to align with the aspirations of developing nations.
Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized the importance of BRICS amid global transformations. He stated, “It is a great honour to welcome you to this inaugural meeting of the Brazilian BRICS Presidency. We are gathered in a crucial moment — of profound transformations, in which the principles of multilateralism and cooperation are being tested by crises that demand urgent and collective action.”
In his address, Minister Vieira advocated for a robust multilateral approach as a remedy to the current crises. He noted, “In this evolving scenario, BRICS plays a fundamental role in promoting a more just, inclusive and sustainable world order,” emphasizing the transition toward a multipolar world.
This meeting is the first since the recent expansion of BRICS, incorporating Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia alongside the original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Brazilian presidency will prioritize advancing cooperation within the Global South, focusing on key areas such as health, trade, climate change, artificial intelligence, international security reform, and enhancing the bloc’s institutional framework.
Ambassador Celso Amorim, the Head Adviser to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighted BRICS as an essential platform for developing nations to coordinate on critical issues like energy and monetary strategy. He rebutted accusations of anti-Western sentiment, stating, “How can anyone say that Brazil is against the West when we have just concluded an agreement with the European Union?”
The second day of the Sherpas meeting included President Lula’s encouraging remarks about BRICS’ future. He asserted, “I am convinced that BRICS will continue to be a driver of positive change for our nations and the world, emphasizing the importance of cooperative efforts for future global summits and multilateral security systems.”
President Lula further emphasized the significance of reducing economic vulnerabilities by expanding local currency payment systems among BRICS nations. Amidst rising protectionist tensions, he urged deeper economic integration. He noted that while he had previously suggested a unified BRICS currency, the current focus is on enhancing existing bilateral payment mechanisms, agreeing with fellow diplomats that a shared currency is not part of the present agenda, contrasting with views from members such as Iran and Russia facing higher sanctions pressures.
In conclusion, the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under Brazil’s presidency marks a pivotal moment for the bloc, reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and addressing global challenges collaboratively. With a focus on cooperation among developing nations, Brazil aims to enhance economic integration while navigating the complexities of international relations. The discussions set a strong foundation for the upcoming summit in July, reflecting the evolving dynamics of global governance.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
