Brics foreign ministers tout multilateralism amid economic turmoil from US trade policies

Foreign ministers from an expanded Brics group of countries originally anchored by Brazil, Russia, India and China vowed to bolster multilateralism and promote peace amid intensifying global conflicts and mounting economic turbulence driven by US trade policies.

Opening the meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said the bloc must serve as a “force for good” in an increasingly fragmented world.

“The path to peace is neither easy nor linear,” Vieira said. “Brics must lead by example, reaffirming our belief in a multipolar world where security is a right for all, not a privilege for a few.”

Vieira highlighted the group’s expanded role following its recent enlargement to 11 full members, representing nearly half of the world’s population and about 40 per cent of global GDP.

“With a diversity of geography and culture, Brics is uniquely positioned to foster dialogue, development and stability,” he said.

The summit took place amid aggressive trade measures spearheaded by US President Donald Trump and against the backdrop of eroding trust in international institutions and widening armed conflicts.