At the summit in New Delhi, the enlarged grouping was bedeviled with one of its most significant challenges in diplomatic negotiations, but Iran and the United Arab Emirates have endorsed a joint statement from the BRICS countries urging restraint in the Middle East war.
The agreement was signed on the first day of the meeting of the leaders of the BRICS countries on Saturday, September 12. Iran has been on the opposing side of the UAE during the war, with the UAE being attacked repeatedly by Iran.
On the sidelines of the summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also met with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed regional and international issues, de-escalation, stability and efforts to promote peace and development, according to the Abu Dhabi media office, which did not specify the outcome of the talks.
The BRICS statement did not detail the specific measures to be taken to curb the escalation in the Middle East, but noted the need to show “maximum restraint” by all parties. It also demanded to protect civilians, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also to protect trade, supply chains, energy flows and maritime security.
The development was important as there had been differences between Iran and the UAE which posed a threat in reaching a joint statement during the summit. Experts had earlier stated that BRICS required a language that both countries would be able to agree on to show that the enlarged group would be able to find common ground amidst major geopolitical differences.
BRICS has “come of age” and members should convert its unity and consensus into tangible outcomes on the international forum, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that BRICS nations should strive for a more equitable international order and China was willing to contribute its part in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He demanded political solution and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
In addition to the original members, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and Egypt, Ethiopia and Iran are also joining, as well as Ethiopia and the UAE. India is also seeking to leverage the event to promote trade cooperation and ease restrictions among the BRICS countries.
