RICS Expands Cooperation Agenda at Foreign Ministers Meeting in Russia
The expanded bloc of BRICS nations convened in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia this week for their first foreign ministers meeting since admitting new members the UAE, Egypt and Iran earlier this year. Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, representatives recommitted to deepening collaboration across a wide range of economic and political issues. Attended by foreign ministers and senior diplomats from 22 countries, the two-day gathering featured robust discussions on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. In their joint statement, the ministers called for greater cooperation in areas like energy security, climate action and food supply chains. They also pushed for "comprehensive reform" of international bodies like the UN Security Council to increase developing nation representation. On the sidelines a number of important bilateral meetings took place. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed his country's support for Iranian sovereignty, while Russia propose...