BRICS call for ceasefire in Gaza, condemn attack on Iranian premises in Damascus

The 16th BRICS summit in Kazan on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages from “both sides,” while denouncing Israel for its military offensive that led to “massacres” of civilians in this territory. The statement condemns the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus by Israel on April 1, 2024.

He also agreed to establish a partnership mechanism. Thirteen countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Alegria, Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, were invited to join the platform. Other countries included are Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Turkey and Uganda, ET has learnt. Sources indicated that these countries must now agree to join the mechanism. ET was the first to report that the Kazan summit would institute a partnership mechanism following growing demand for such a mechanism.

The summit also welcomed the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners. “We encourage the strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and the possibility of settlements in local currencies in line with the BRICS cross-border payments initiative… and we look forward to continuing discussions in this area, particularly in within the BRICS Payments Working Group.”

The declaration also calls for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council “with a view to making it more democratic…and supporting the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America…” BRICS also pledged to take decisive measures to prevent and disrupt the spread of terrorist ideology and radicalization.