BRICS Summit 2024: Ukraine Off the Agenda, Says Brazilian Foreign Minister

Minister Mauro Vieira clarifies that Ukraine will not be a topic of discussion, as the BRICS summit focuses on member cooperation and expansion.

© Valter Campanato/ Agência Brasil

The 16th BRICS Summit, taking place from October 22-24 in Russia, will not address the Ukraine conflict, according to Brazil's Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira. Upon his arrival in Russia, Vieira emphasized that the summit’s agenda is primarily centered on cooperation between BRICS member states—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and discussions around the potential expansion of the group.

Vieira stressed that the primary focus will be on strengthening partnerships and integrating new countries into the BRICS bloc. Approximately 30 nations have expressed interest in joining, and the summit will explore the criteria for adding new associate members.

Focus on BRICS Expansion and Alternative Financial Institutions

One of the key topics for this year’s summit will be the inclusion of new associate members, with countries like Venezuela possibly being considered. The summit will also address financial strategies to reduce dependence on the US dollar in trade between BRICS nations, and steps to bolster alternative financial institutions to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Brazil is being represented by Vieira after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was advised by doctors to avoid long trips following a domestic accident. This year’s summit is notable for being the first with recently added full members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

With BRICS now representing 36% of global GDP and 42% of the world’s population, the group’s growing influence continues to challenge the dominance of Western-led economic frameworks.

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Fonte: Agência Brasil