'Support Peaceful Resolution of Russia-Ukraine Conflict': BRICS Member Countries

BRICS countries also said that the territory of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan should not be used to foment terror.

Visuals from the virtual BRICS Summit held on Thursday, 23 June.

(Photo: Twitter)

Member countries of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping issued a declaration on Thursday, 23 June, saying that they called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute between Russia and Ukraine amid the war, which has been ongoing for around four months.

The Beijing Declaration of the 14th BRICS Summit stated that it was committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"We have discussed the situation in Ukraine and recall our national positions as expressed at the appropriate fora, namely the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) and UNGA (United Nations General Assembly. We support talks between Russia and Ukraine," the statement read.

It also added that the member countries had expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, adding that it supported efforts to provide assistance in accordance with "the basic principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality" established by the UNGA.

The summit on Thursday was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

'Afghanistan's Territory Should Not be Used to Attack Other Countries, Train Terrorists'

Speaking on the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the BRICS countries emphasised that the country's territory should not be used to attack any other country or train "terrorists".

"We emphasise that the Afghan territory not to be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan to finance terrorist acts, and reiterate the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan," the statement read.

The grouping also called for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan in accordance with the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and non-interference in internal affairs.

Further, it called for all sides to the Afghanistan dispute to achieve reconciliation through dialogue and negotiation through an inclusive and representative political structure.

"We call on the Afghanistan authorities to work towards combating drug-related crime to free Afghanistan from the scourge of drugs. We stress the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and different ethnic groups," the statement added.

'Appreciate India's Role As UNSC Member': BRICS

The grouping also said that it "appreciated" the role of India as a member of the UNSC from 2021-22, along with Brazil from 2022-23.

"The presence of four BRICS countries in the UN Security Council provides an opportunity to further enhance the weight of our dialogue on issue of international peace and security and for continued cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including through regular exchanges amongst our permanent Mission to the United Nations and in other international fora."

(With inputs from agencies)