Focus on Arts and Ecology

May 20, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the foreign ministers' virtual meetings of the major emerging economies known collectively as BRICS on May 19, including Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, and repeated a push for multilateralism and an end to the Cold War mentality.

Facing new global challenges, BRICS countries should be in line with the global trends, build consensus, strengthen confidence, and manage world changes, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Xi: 'Make the pie of cooperation bigger'

Here's what was discussed at the high-level meeting:

·  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to firm up their belief and take real action to promote peace and development

·  The foreign ministers appreciated China's active role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and coping with global climate change, and are willing to strengthen cooperation in various fields

·  All sides agreed to fully implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, better benefit the people of developing countries and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind

·  The foreign ministers supported advancing the process of BRICS expansion and indicated that further discussions would be held on this issue

·  They also exchanged views on matters related to Ukraine and Afghanistan. Wang Yi added that the BRICS countries should continue to adhere to independence, objectivity, and impartiality on the Ukraine issue, speak out and do their best for peace.

·  Wang also called on the BRICS countries to boycott divisive practices and build an open world economy. Some individual countries, by building "small yards with high fences" and forming "alternative systems," are adopting irresponsible macroeconomic and monetary policies, Wang said.

(Sources: China Report)