“We express great concern about the ongoing rising tensions in the Middle East and West Asia and, while recalling our respective national positions, urge maximum restraint. We also call to avoid actions that could further escalate the situation,” the statement said.
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In May, the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi failed to agree on a joint statement because members Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates disagreed over the war that started on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes.
However, on Saturday, during the leaders’ meeting held after intense efforts by the diplomatic host India, a statement was issued.
The document also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
“We express great concern about deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, which are subject to comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety guarantees, as these violate international law and relevant IAEA resolutions,” it states.
“Nuclear safety and security requirements must always be observed, even during armed conflicts, to protect people and the environment from harm,” the statement said.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a forum for the largest emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western countries.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at the opening of the two-day summit on Saturday, noted that the war in the Middle East “does not align with the common interests of the international community,” reports the state news agency Xinhua.
The summit is attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“We note the current global context of polarization and mistrust and encourage global actions that strengthen international peace and security,” the joint statement said.
“We emphasize the need to work together to ensure the smooth movement of global trade, supply chains, and energy flows, in accordance with applicable international law,” the text added.
The summit in New Delhi is also attended by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to join later on Saturday.
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