Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🎙️ Interview with Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Aleksandr Pankin for TASS (July 26, 2025) Key Points • Russia is committed to eliminating global inequality, aiming to ensure that African and other developing countries not only gain equal access to resources and financing, but also actively participate in the governance of various international institutions, including economic ones — so that their voices are heard. • Under the prevailing neocolonial practices of the West toward Africa, stable development and social progress on the continent are unattainable. This calls for a fundamental transformation of the global order and the democratization of international relations. African nations recognize and support Russia’s policy aimed at these objectives. • A paradoxical situation exists: the volume of capital flowing into African countries is effectively matched by capital outflows. In essence, this reflects the ongoing exploitation of Africa, particularly its natural resources, from which the local populations and governments receive minimal benefit. • Within the G20 framework, Russia and South Africa maintain strong coordination and mutual support. South Africa plays a constructive role in ensuring that the G20 remains a non-confrontational platform, enabling dialogue and consensus-building among all member states wherever possible. • The #BRICS agenda holds global relevance, and its countries also participate in the #G20. However, BRICS tends to offer more effective solutions due to the shared vision among its members. In contrast, the G20 faces challenges stemming from the divide between Western and developing nations, making compromise more difficult to achieve. #G20SouthAfrica

🎙Address by Aleksandr Pankin at G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting on illicit financial flows (IFFs) and social protection 📍Skukuza, July 25, 2025 💬Aleksandr Pankin: We extend our gratitude to South African friends for a well-thought choice of topical issues. Illicit financial flows and social protection represent major present-day challenges. As part of the implementation of the #SDGs we promised to focus the efforts on human needs, “make sure nobody is left behind”. A task was set to eradicate the inequality in development level between the countries. In this context, partnership between the donors and recipients and the reform of world economic institutions in favour of developing states are in our focus. We acknowledge with regret that strategic targets have not been implemented into practical results. Certain positive developments of recent years, by that I mean the rise of the multipolar world and emergence of new centres of growth such as #BRICS, faced the confrontational position from the West. Dominating elites leave fair economic competition in the past. Instead world’s economic system turns into an arena for confrontation, blackmailing, dictate and political pressure. <...> Achieving SDGs benchmarks by 2030 apparently stumbles, progress forecasts are most discouraging. African countries are among the most vulnerable. Former colonizers are trying to restore their dominance on the continent with new methods – through deepening dependence on donor aid and enslaving loans. The volumes of so-called “aid” that reach the states in need are significantly lower than the losses caused by illicit financial flows (IFF). According to UNCTAD, in Africa the IFFs reach 50-90 billion USD yearly, while donor funding is no more than 60-65 billion USD. <...> ☝️We consider combatting the IFFs as key element of world economic stability. <...> The IFFs can only be successfully countered through fair and open international cooperation, including in the areas of taxation and anti-corruption. A particular impetus should be given to the retrieval of assets. ❌ However, the West is persistently politicizing relevant multilateral formats, thus undermining cooperation. Biased anti-Russian steps of suspending Russia’s membership in FATF and Egmont Group disrupted the integrity of global network of combatting the money laundering and rendered a number of international financial investigations impossible. The EU is ready for plain pillage – seizing foreign sovereign financial assets frozen in their jurisdiction. The world majority needs to bolster its financial independence, establish control over capital circulation by reducing the dependence on unreliable Westcentric financial architecture. Promising initiatives are being discussed in BRICS, including those on cross-border payments and joint depository, payment and clearing infrastructure (BRICS Clear). We shall continue to strengthen the sovereignty of Global South in all aspects. <...> Due to lack of a system of equal access to benefits, dependence of Global South on Western donor aid is increasing, while the volumes of external assistance are dwindling – they are reallocated for military spending, under the pretext of imagined threats, and for fuelling the conflicts. This is also the case for international development banks: while during the pandemic the World Bank allocated 12.5 billion USD as emergency funds for social welfare, at the same time, since February 2022, it granted astronomical 81 billion USD to Ukraine. ❗️Development aid must be depoliticized, predictable and based on national priorities of the recipients. Setting out various pre-conditions for recipients of funds, including questionable climate and gender aims, is unacceptable. Social protection is a long-term investment into the future. 🇷🇺 Russia is ready to share with all partners its expertise in building the national social welfare system and mobilizing tax revenues, including advanced digital solutions. Read in full #G20SouthAfrica

📸#FamilyPhoto Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov takes part in family photo ceremony together with the heads of delegations, partner countries, invited states and executive bodies of international organizations and structures at the XVII #BRICS Summit 📍 Rio de Janeiro, July 7 #BRICS2025

🎙Remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at the main Plenary Session of the XVII BRICS Summit(July 6, 2025) 💬President Putin: Colleagues, friends. First of all, I would like to join the words of gratitude to President Lula da Silva and the Brazilian Chairmanship for their active efforts in advancing the strategic partnership within #BRICS. It is important that the BRICS countries continue to deepen their cooperation across key sectors in politics, security, the economy and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts. This group has significantly grown and now includes leading states in Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Together, we possess a vast political, economic, scientific, technological, and human potential. 📈 The BRICS countries account for not only a third of the Earth’s landmass and almost half the planet’s population, but also for 40 percent of the global economy, while their combined GDP at purchasing power parity stands at $77 trillion. This is the 2025 data according to the IMF. By the way, BRICS is substantially ahead of other groups in this parameter, including G7 with $57 trillion. Year after year, our group’s global authority and influence continue growing. BRICS has rightfully established itself as one of the key centres of global governance, with our collective voice in support of the global majority’s vital interests resonating ever more powerfully across the international stage. BRICS has many supporters in the Global South and East. The culture of an open partnership and cooperation, mutual respect and consideration for each other’s interests in the group appeals to them. Based on this knowledge, during the summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, we decided to establish a category of BRICS partner states, to develop ad hoc practical cooperation with all interested countries. BRICS has ten partner states to date. 🌐 I will stress that the BRICS countries represent different development models, religions, authentic civilisations and cultures, while unanimously upholding equality and neighbourliness. They prioritise traditional values, the high ideals of friendship and accord, striving to contribute to global stability and security, the prosperity and success of all nations. Without doubt, this constructive approach and unifying agenda are highly relevant amidst the geopolitical challenges of today. We all see that the world is experiencing tectonic shifts. The unipolar system of international relations that once served the interests of the so-called golden billion, is losing its relevance, replaced by a more just multi-polar world. Global economic patterns are changing faster. Everything indicates that the liberal globalisation model is becoming obsolete while the centre of business activity is gravitating towards developing markets, launching a powerful growth wave, including in the BRICS countries. To maximise the emerging prospects, it is important to intensify cooperation within the group, primarily in technology, effective resource development, logistics, insurance, trade and finance. It is important to continue expanding the use of national currencies in mutual payments. It is believed that creating an independent payment and monetary system within BRICS will expedite currency transactions while also ensuring their effectiveness and security. Furthermore, using national currencies in trade within BRICS is steadily growing. In 2024, the share of Russia’s national currency, the ruble, and the currencies of our friendly states in transactions with Russia and other BRICS countries reached 90 percent. 📄Read in full

🎙Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at Session II of the XVII BRICS Summit «Strengthening multilateral world order, financial and economic issues, artificial intelligence»(Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025) 📄Read in full Key talking points: • Strengthening the multilateral world order while the international system goes through fundamental transformations is one of the crucial tasks for#BRICS and for the entire international community. • Multipolarity is not a choice but rather an objective reality which succeeds the outdated neoliberal model that actually builds on neocolonial practices. The traditional paradigm of globalization where the predominant role is played by the so-called developed states of the West is becoming a relic. • Countries of the Global South and East are becoming a main driving force of the global economic growth. Regional organizations such as the African Union, CELAC, ASEAN, SCO, EAEU are playing an increased role. In this context conceptual and practical approaches are being developed to establish a new architecture of world economy based on the principles of equality, multilateralism and non-discrimination in trade, financial settlements, technology, logistics. • BRICS countries account for more than 40% of the global gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity, and together with partner countries this figure is at 45% or 93 trillion dollars. Today BRICS represents more than 20% of global trade and almost a half of world population. • The share of BRICS countries in trade with Russia is constantly growing and in 2014 it exceeded 48%, with 90% of mutual settlements made in national currencies. • It is of significant importance to pursue the reform and depolarization of the Bretton-Woods institutions which should reflect a real state of affairs in the world economy. The continued use of the IMF and WB with a view to preserve neocolonial practices is unacceptable. • The increasingly aggressive attempts by the West to introduce ideological ultimatums into the dialogue as what are virtually the main criteria – based on Western interpretations of human rights and democracy – are having an extremely negative impact on the delivery of the UN sustainable development goals. • To address imbalances and to mobilize resources for development Russia introduced an initiative to create within BRICS a New Investment Platform with the participation of the New Development Bank (NDB). We thank colleagues for showing their interest to the promising initiative. • Artificial Intelligence is becoming a critical technology. Experts estimate that AI contribution to the global domestic product will be at 20 trillion dollars by 2030. • We will need to address issues related to ensuring universal access to advance developments in this field. Secret initiatives put forward by a number of countries and with restricted participation with a view to promote non-consensus approaches are fraught with the most serious consequences. • The challenges associated with the development of digital technologies are transnational in nature and require collective response. • I am convinced that BRICS nations together with like-minded countries will continue to lead in promoting a just multipolar world order that will provide favourable conditions for sustainable development of all States without exception.

⚡️ Outcomes of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum📊📊📊📊 🌐 The Forum welcomed over 24'200 participants and media representatives from 144 countries and territories, including Russia. The largest delegations came from Indonesia (over 260), China (250), the UAE (over 120), Bahrain (over 80), and Saudi Arabia (over 80). The #BRICS+ format was represented almost in full (except Iran), alongside all associated partner countries. The number of representatives from #ASEAN countries increased fourfold. Among the high-ranking officials attending the Forum were: • President of the Republic of Abkhazia Badra Gunba; • President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto; • Prime Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia Konstantin Dzhussoev; • Vice President of the Republic of South Africa Paul Mashatile; • Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang; • Personal Representative of His Majesty the King of Bahrain on Youth and Charity Affairs, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; • OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais; • BSEC Secretary General Lazăr Comănescu. 👨‍💼👩‍💼 The Forum brought together around 8'700 representatives from Russian and international businesses. The official business program featured over 370 events, including 24 business dialogues with key countries and regions, with more than 1'300 speakers and experts participating. This year’s Guest Country was Bahrain 🇧🇭. SPIEF also comprised: the Business Twenty Forum, the 10th Anniversary SME Forum, the Ensuring Drug Security Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the General Assembly of OANA (Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies). The Forum also hosted Youth Day — a space for dialogue, creative brainstorm, and personal growth for future leaders. Over 8'000 young participants took part, including representatives from more than 220 universities and around 60 research institutions. 🤝 On the sidelines of SPIEF, 1'060 agreements were signed for a total of 6.3 trillion rubles (approximately $80.2 billion). 💬 President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at this year's plenary session said the following: “The forum’s format traditionally fosters substantive and meaningful discussions on the most pressing issues. We are pleased that representatives from 140 countries and territories have joined this important dialogue. This year, among the important topics is the quality of growth in the context of a multipolar world and major global challenges. These include profound shifts in the global economy and demographics, such as the planet’s population dynamics, as well as social, public, and geopolitical tensions that manifest through crises and rapidly escalating regional conflicts". 🔎 Learn more: 👉Excerpts from Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks and Q&A at a meeting with heads of the world’s leading news agencies on the sidelines of SPIEF-2025; 👉Vladimir Putin's key statements at the SPIEF plenary session; 👉 Vladimir Putin's responses to questions from the session moderator Nadim Koteich, General Manager and presenter at Sky News Arabia. 🛳️#SPIEF2025

🇷🇺 The Security Council of the Russian Federation: ⚡️The comprehensive high-level international dialogue on the future architecture of global security has definitively dispelled the myth of Russia’s isolation. The 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues concluded in Moscow. The three-day international dialogue chaired by Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu held at Rossiya National Centre was attended by 126 delegations from 105 countries that are members of #BRICS, the #SCO, #ASEAN, the #CIS, #CELAC, the African Union, the #CSTO, and other international organisations. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in the plenary session, during which 60 speakers delivered their remarks. The Minister shared his assessments of the Ministry’s performance amid dynamic global processes. The Russian delegation held over 80 bilateral meetings, while foreign representatives held more than 40 bilateral meetings among themselves. Multilateral meetings were held in BRICS, the SCO, the CIS, and Russia-ASEAN formats. A briefing was organized for delegations from African countries, while an expert seminar on global security issues took place as well. 💬 From Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergey Shoigu’s remarks at a news conference following the meeting: “The high level of participants and the sheer number of participating countries clearly showed the urgency and the demand for holding such events and dispelled the myth of Russia’s isolation this time again. The participants unanimously noted that the meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, and the discussions were informative and productive. The open and trust-based dialogue about the need for forming equal and indivisible security architecture served as an effective confirmation of the fact that the multipolar world, in which the security of each country matters, already exists.” Foreign delegations expressed strong interest in the exhibition ‘Journey across Russia’ by the National Centre, which showcased the diversity of our country’s scientific research and cultural endeavours and the multifaceted achievements of modern-day Russia, as well as in the ‘We Accuse’ photo exhibition about the crimes committed by the Kiev regime during the special military operation in Ukraine, as well as in an exhibition dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

🎙 FM Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the reception on Africa Day (Moscow, May 26, 2025) 💬 Sergey Lavrov: Each year in May, we traditionally convene at the Foreign Ministry Mansion to mark Africa Day — a commemoration that holds profound significance not only for Africans but for all humanity. This date symbolises the surmounting of a colonial past and embodies the unwavering resolve of African peoples in their quest for freedom and justice. <...> This year is marked by the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War and the Second World War, as well as the 65th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. This is emphasised in the message from President of Russia Vladimir Putin. These epoch-making events are closely interconnected. On May 10, 1945, in a congratulatory telegram to the head of the Soviet government, Joseph Stalin, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia remarked: “This victory, bringing us the end of the most savage tyranny the world has ever known, has ushered in the threshold of an era of greater happiness and justice for all peoples threatened with annihilation.” ☝️We remember and honour the hundreds of thousands of Africans who fought in the armies of the anti-Hitler coalition, hastening Victory. In turn, the defeat of Nazism galvanised the national liberation movement, accelerating the collapse of the colonial system. Our nation made an immense contribution to the decolonisation process, grounded in one of the UN Charter’s key principles — the right of nations to self-determination. For many years, we selflessly supported Africans in their struggle for freedom and independence, consistently aiding the formation of young states and their comprehensive socio-economic development. Today, Russia continues to foster the strengthening of Africa’s position as a unique and influential centre of global development. In particular, we support African aspirations to secure a permanent ‘seat’ within the UN Security Council. We will further assist interested African nations in enhancing their defence capabilities, countering terrorism, and ensuring food and energy security. In recent years, the African continent, asserting itself as one of the pillars of a sustainable multipolar world order, has achieved impressive results. Such progress has largely been made possible by the collective will of Africans to address shared challenges and pursue common goals. We welcome the dynamic development of integration processes, which strengthen solidarity across the continent and amplifyitsvoice. The African Union plays a pivotal role in this regard. <...> 🤝Russia remains a reliable and steadfast partner to African nations in strengthening their sovereignty, the foremost threat to which remains persistent neocolonial practices. <...> One of the most dynamic areas of Russian-African cooperation remains education. Today, more than 32,000 African students are enrolled in our universities. Our collaboration with the African Union and other multilateral structures on the continent is expanding actively. We see significant potential in fostering their ties with Eurasian integration bodies the #EAEU, #CSTO, and #SCO. Naturally, we wholeheartedly support the development of cooperative relations between the African Union and #BRICS. Our commitment to deepening a multifaceted strategic partnership with Africa is reflected in the establishment of a new structural unit within the Russian Foreign Ministry — the Department of Partnership with Africa. On the agenda is the preparation of the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, to be held this year in an African country. There is no doubt that its outcomes will contribute to the substantive groundwork for the third Russia-Africa Summit, planned for 2026 — also on the African continent. <...> I would like to once again extend my congratulations on this occasion and wish the peoples of Africa and all those present peace, health, and prosperity. Read in full #RussiaAfrica

📰Interview of Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with New Eastern Outlook journal (May 19, 2025) Key talking points: • Today, when Russian-African relations are undergoing a renaissance after the period of inattention caused by the collapse of the USSR and a period of qualitative transformation is underway, the creation of a new structure in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs testifies to the unconditional priority of this area for us, a long-term choice in favour of strengthening ties with the Global South and to the attention that the Russian leadership pays to Africa. • The pursuit of genuine sovereignty, justice and a more democratic world order, free from diktat and double standards, based on respect for the norms of international law in their entirety, the equality of states, the consideration of each people’s interests and the recognition of their distinctive culture and traditions is a constant of Russian-African relations. • Russia has consistently advocated strengthening the continent’s position within a multipolar world, supports the aspirations of African partners to obtain a permanent status in the UN Security Council, insists on reforming global financial and trade institutions – taking into account, amongst other things, the interests of African countries – and welcomes the successful development of integration processes on the continent. • The interest of African states in #BRICS is growing. Today, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are full members of the association, and this January Nigeria and Uganda joined as partner states. During the Russian presidency of BRICS last year, we steadily promoted a common vision for a just multipolar world order based on respect for the sovereignty of all states. • Africa is well aware of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and the role of the West in fuelling it. Many countries of the continent take an independent and principled position of non-interference in conflicts outside their region, including in regards to the Special Military Operation. Non-alignment with sanctions against Russia is a clear demonstration of the firm and confident position of our African partners, who have not succumbed to pressure from the West, and their choice in favour of constructive relations with Russia • Despite all possible restrictions created by the West, our country responsibly fulfils its international obligations in terms of the supply of food and fertilisers. Thus, in 2024, Russian exports of agricultural products to African countries increased by almost 20%, exceeding $7 billion and covering 45 countries of the continent. In addition, Russia is highly interested in improving the efficiency of the agricultural sector in African countries and their food self-sufficiency. • Russian education continues to be prestigious and is in great demand among Africans, being a kind of quality mark. Today, over 32'000 African students study at our universities, of which more than 8'000 are on a budget basis. • The expansion of the network of Russian diplomatic missions is a clear confirmation of our return to Africa and large-scale plans to develop relations with the countries of the continent. In 2024, after a break of more than 30 years, the Russian embassies in Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea were reopened. This year, the diplomatic missions of our country in Niger and Sierra Leone will resume their activities, an embassy in South Sudan will be opened for the first time. Plans for the near future include the establishment of diplomatic missions in The Gambia, Liberia, the Union of the Comoros and Togo. • We believe that Africa should not be an arena for geopolitical rivalry, but a space of mutually beneficial cooperation to be developed in an exclusively equal and respectful manner. Our obvious advantage is that we do not tell Africans whom to be friends with or which partners to choose. We respect their sovereignty and national interests not in words, but in deeds. Read in full #RussiaAfrica

🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sremarks and answers to media questions following BRICS Ministerial Meeting, Rio de Janeiro (April 29, 2025) 💬 I would like to once again thank our Brazilian friends for their traditional hospitality and the excellent organisation of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting, as well as for holding the additional meeting between BRICS participants and their partner countries. These countries were able to take part in today’s meeting following the Kazan Summit. Held as part of Russia’s chairmanship, it made a historical decision to create this partner category, which includes Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan. <...> 🌐 We spoke out in favour of further enhancing the contribution by #BRICS and the countries of the Global Majority in general to addressing the key challenges the world is facing today. We noted that collective actions by our group can play an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, ensuring security and fostering economic growth. At the meeting, we paid special attention to the need to continue our efforts to promote reform within international financial institutions, primarily by revising IMF quotas, which must reflect the role of the Global South and East in the global financial system and economy. <...> There was quite a lengthy discussion on the latest regional and international developments, including the multiple crisis situations around the world. The deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories and across the Middle East in general, as well as in many regions of the African continent is a matter of special concern. <...> We reaffirmed our support for reforming the UN Security Council, including our support for India and Brazil becoming permanent members of the UN Security Council, while also addressing the issue of Africa’s representation. 👉 Much has been said about the Ukraine situation. Once again, we offered a detailed insight into our principled approaches to settling this conflict by addressing its root causes. Excerpts from the Q&A session: • Our proposal, which President Vladimir Putin has made public, is to initiatedirect talks without any preconditions. In the current situation, a ceasefire is a preliminary condition that will be used to provide assistance to the Kiev regime and reinforce its combat capabilities. • Certainly, it is imperative that all parties have a clear understanding of the evolving dynamics between Moscow and Washington. <...> We advocate for an honest and equal dialogue aimed at building a balance of interests. The United States has reciprocated with similar signals. Russia and the US are working together across multiple domains. In fact, they continue to cooperate literally as we speak. • National currencies account for over 65% of trade between BRICS countries, while the share of the US dollar has diminished to one third. Other tasks stipulate the creation of payment instruments and platforms, including discussing the possibility of creating a cross-border payment system and an electronic depository and clearance system (BRICS Clear), and a unified mechanism for exchanging trade and economic information. • The International Criminal Court has completely discredited itself. It is being steered by Western countries. It protects some countries from criticism even though they openly violate international law, and adopts measures aimed at punishing other countries, up to and including arrest warrants, in the absence of factual proof. Read in full

✍️ Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’sinterview with Brazilian O Globo newspaper (April 28, 2025) Read in full ❓Question Expanding trade among BRICS countries is one of the objectives for Brazil’s chairmanship in this group in 2025. What kind of opportunities does Russia see in terms of increasing the share of trade transactions in national currencies? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: We are witnessing an accelerating trend in the fragmentation of the global economy. Against this backdrop, it is quite natural for the countries of the Global South and East to reduce the share of Western currencies in their mutual settlements. No one wants to suffer from sanctions. <...>. We have been working within #BRICS to ensure that there are no disruptions when carrying out payments and have been quite effective in our efforts. To give you an example, the ruble and currencies of our friendly countries accounted for 90% of Russia’s settlements with BRICS countries in 2024. <...> ❓ Question: Reinforcing global governance and promoting multilateralism is another major topic for BRICS. What do you think BRICS countries can do to this effect? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: BRICS has become much stronger compared to when this group took shape back in 2006. Today, it stands as a focal point with a mission to coordinate the interests of the Global Majority’s leading countries. BRICS fully adheres to the principles of equality, mutual respect and balance of interest. Russia views this group as one of the pillars of a multipolar world and an important mechanism for international cooperation. <...> BRICS countries are not seeking to take someone else’s place. Their aim consists of creating a favourable environment for building capacity. ❓ Question: Brazil calls for expanding the UN Security Council. What is Russia’s current stance on this issue? Would it vote for making Brazil a permanent member? 💬 Sergey Lavrov: Russia believes in a balanced reform of the Security Council as one of the main UN bodies. <...> Shaping of a multipolar world should include broader representation of the countries of the Global South and East, that is, Asian, African and Latin American countries, at the UNSC. 🇧🇷Brazil is the right candidate for a permanent seat on the UNSC. We are against giving more seats to Western countries and their allies. Key points: • We got the impression that our American counterparts now have a better understanding of Russia’s stance on the situation around Ukraine. We hope that this will help them during their dialogue with Kiev and individual European countries. • The fact that the current administration in the United States is trying to understand the root causes of the crisis is quite encouraging and contrasts with the Joe Biden administration which pumped the Kiev regime full of lethal weapons and was proactive in its efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO. • Zelensky’s regime has shown that is lacks the political will for peace and the ability to stop the war, which is being fuelled by the Russophobic circles of certain EU countries, primarily France and Germany, as well as Britain. • Instead of facilitating a settlement, the European Union has been seeking to undermine agreements by arguing that there has been little, if any, effort to invite it to contribute to these talks. • Russia appreciates the striving of our partners to help create conditions for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. Over 20 countries and a number of regional associations in Latin America, Asia and Africa have put forth such initiatives. • We have made no secret regarding our position on the settlement. Russia proceeds from the premise that Kiev’s non-accession to NATO, as well as reaffirming its neutral and non-aligned status. <...> The second pillar consists of overcoming the legacy of the neo-Nazi regime which took power in Kiev after the February 2014 putsch. <...> The international recognition of Crimea, Sevastopol, the DPR, the LPR, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions as part of Russia is another imperative.

📄 Joint Statement by #BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (Brasília, March 28, 2025) READ IN FULL BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) met on March 28, 2025, in Brasília, Brazil, to exchange views on the current situation in the region. They: • Reiterated their serious concern over continued conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, especially the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which threaten regional stability and have a negative impact on international peace and security; • Reasserted the primary role of the UNSC in maintaining international peace and security, in regular interaction with the General Assembly; • Stressed that peace and stability in the MENA region require developmental cooperation and integration; • Agreed to strongly condemn terrorism and confront extremism, in all its forms and manifestations; • Expressed their commitment to the promotion of the principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and the adoption of measures to jointly address hate speech, racism, gender discrimination and extremism; • Expressed grave concern at the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, marked by the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, following the Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, and as a result of the Israeli military offensive that led to more than 50'000 deaths among Palestinians, mostly women and children; • Recalled that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory; • Reaffirmed that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means and depends on the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination; • Reiterated their unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, based on international law; • Condemned the provocative statement regarding plans for the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied West Bank and the intensification of settlement activity in the West Bank, as well as with demolitions of Palestinian residences and structures, including in East Jerusalem; • Reasserted their firm support for Lebanon’s stability, security, sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity; • Welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms and to fully implement UNSC Resolution 1701; • Reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria and called for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned UN-facilitated political process, based on the principles of Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015); • Reasserted their support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as for a peaceful, comprehensive, and inclusive political settlement to the Yemeni crisis; • Reiterated their strong commitment to Iraq’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as expressed their continuous support and engagement to promote stability and economic development in Iraq; • Noted the latest developments regarding nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the recent imposition of new unilateral sanctions against Iran, and reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement remains the only viable and practical option in this regard; • Rejected recent threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran and called for the de-escalation of the situation, which has the potential to undermine international peace and security; • Expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Sudan and reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the conflict.