Kazan: During the BRICS Plus Summit, which took place from October 22nd to 24th, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, the event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This summit, a part of the broader BRICS Summit, was inaugurated by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and saw the participation of heads of state and government, ministers, and representatives from approximately 38 countries.
In his inaugural speech at the BRICS Plus Summit, Sheikh Abdullah expressed the warmest greetings from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and extended his gratitude to President Vladimir Putin and the BRICS Russian Chairmanship for their gracious hospitality in hosting the summit.
The representative of the United Arab Emirates, who holds the esteemed position of the UAE's top diplomat, conveyed his appreciation for the efforts aimed at fostering international dialogue at a juncture where concerted action is imperative to address global challenges and to collaborate in the pursuit of a more prosperous world. He highlighted the collective vision that has emerged through the leadership of the BRICS Russian Chairmanship, elevating BRICS as a platform not only for problem-solving but also for envisioning a future that ensures the well-being of global populations.
He further emphasized that BRICS transcends mere economic cooperation, serving as a model for a partnership founded on comprehensive multidimensional cooperation. Through this platform, Sheikh Abdullah elucidated, nations are afforded the opportunity to benefit from a wealth of diverse experiences and achieve mutual progress. He underscored that the United Arab Emirates has consistently placed international cooperation at the heart of its policy agenda.
"We gather here today, as Friends of BRICS, to deliberate on strategies for collective action that will contribute to a more stable and prosperous future," he stated. He acknowledged that our world is currently navigating through unprecedented changes that impact all nations, irrespective of their economic size or geographical location, whether these changes are sudden shifts in the global economy, the acceleration of climate change, challenges in the energy sector, or the escalation of conflicts and wars.
Sheikh Abdullah concluded by affirming that the United Arab Emirates is committed to engaging in constructive, long-term solutions. This commitment, he explained, is the cornerstone of our cooperation within the BRICS framework, a group dedicated to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and the international legitimacy that underpins international cooperation and multilateral action.
He further emphasized that the preservation of global peace and stability is the sole prerequisite for establishing a unified front capable of addressing common challenges. He highlighted that this approach could alleviate the suffering of populations and civilians affected by conflict and war zones, thereby paving the way for a new era of development, progress, and prosperity. "On this basis, we advocate for an immediate and definitive cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the unconditional provision of humanitarian assistance to all civilians, and the initiation of a political dialogue centered on the two-state solution, peaceful coexistence, and the adoption of relevant international legitimacy resolutions," Sheikh Abdullah stated.
He also underscored the importance of supporting all international endeavors aimed at de-escalation in Lebanon, the immediate halt of hostilities and Israeli aggressions, and the resolution of the humanitarian crisis. He expressed strong condemnation of any violations of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
Sheikh Abdullah elaborated that one of the principal topics of discussion at today's meeting is the enhancement of collaboration with the "Friends of BRICS" across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy transition, sustainability, transportation, and water and food security. He explained that such cooperation would bolster our capacity to address global challenges more effectively and lay the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable economic development.
He also mentioned that the UAE views expanding partnerships as an opportunity to devise innovative economic strategies that foster new avenues for the exchange of expertise and experiences, thereby ensuring mutual benefits.
Sheikh Abdullah stated, "In the contemporary world, multilateralism is not merely an option but an imperative. The challenges we confront, whether economic, climatic, or social, are too complex to be addressed in isolation," he added. He further emphasized that multilateralism is the cornerstone of stability and growth.
He concluded by affirming the UAE's readiness to advance this approach through cooperation with BRICS countries and friends.
He further elaborated, "My nation acknowledges the pivotal role that emerging and developing nations play in the future trajectory of the global economy. Within this framework, it is our conviction that nations from the Global South should assume an active and influential stance in the formulation of economic policies.
The United Arab Emirates, through its engagement in BRICS initiatives and its robust collaboration with its allies and partners, is committed to fostering a cooperative and transparent approach, as Sheikh Abdullah elucidated. "We place a high value on the establishment of additional partnerships and platforms that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, all aimed at realizing our collective objectives and advancing sustainable development."
We are dedicated to supporting BRICS' initiatives for expansion and enhancing constructive engagement with friendly nations and international alliances, as we strive to cultivate a sustainable institutional framework that underpins these reforms, Sheikh Abdullah elaborated.
In conclusion, His Highness extended his gratitude to President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for their gracious reception and organization of the summit, expressing his anticipation that the summit's outcomes will signify a significant milestone in the augmentation of cooperation among BRICS member states.
Attending the BRICS Plus Summit were Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE's BRICS Sherpa; Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation; and Khamis Rashid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Council for Diplomatic and Consular Affairs and the UAE's BRICS Sous Sherpa.
