12th BRICS Summit

The BRICS, the group bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has held its 12th Summit today via videoconference. The event culminates the Russian rotating presidency, which will be taken over by India in 2021.

In addition to President Jair Bolsonaro, the Summit was attended by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who also chaired the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Xi Jinping of China, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa .

The leaders discussed the international community's response to the pandemic crisis and the actions of the five countries aimed at economic recovery, social inclusion and public health. On the occasion, presentations were given on the work of the New Development Bank, the BRICS Business Council, the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the National Security Advisers meeting, and the Interbank Cooperation Mechanism.

During the meeting, the leaders issued a declaration which outlines the outcomes of the BRICS in 2020, including the  adoption  of the BRICS Counter-terrorism Strategy, and addresses current issues at the international level and cooperation between the bloc’s countries.

Among other topics, the declaration included remarks on the importance of democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights, the right to privacy, sovereignty, entrepreneurship and transparency.

The declaration also reaffirmed general principles that must guide the business environment in the area of ​​Information and Communication Technologies. It also  emphasized the central role of each country in combating COVID-19 and underlined the need to reform the WHO.