Brasilia, May 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: The BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) convened under Brazil’s 2024 chairmanship, with a focus on enhancing collaboration among Global South nations to foster more inclusive and sustainable global governance. The high-level meeting was held under the theme: “Strengthening Cooperation of the Countries of the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” as announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Representing the Republic of Kazakhstan, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin led the Kazakh delegation at the expanded session. In his address, Rakhmetullin underscored the urgent need for collective action and solidarity among Global South nations in light of mounting geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties.
He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in Central Asia on key areas such as water resource management, energy, and digital transformation. The deputy minister also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s upcoming role as host of the 2026 UN Regional Climate Summit, emphasizing its relevance to the climate agenda and sustainable governance in the region.
Rakhmetullin extended his gratitude for the support given to Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish the UN Regional Center for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan, which is expected to further advance sustainable development efforts in the broader region. He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest in expanding economic relations and implementing joint projects with BRICS member countries.
Bilateral Engagements and Economic Diplomacy
On the sidelines of the meeting, Rakhmetullin held a series of bilateral discussions with senior officials from several countries, including:
- Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil
- Celinda Sosa Lunda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia
- Sergei Lukashevich, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
- Seyed Abdel Rasoul Mohajer, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran
These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing trade and investment, and deepening political dialogue between Kazakhstan and BRICS member and partner states.
In a parallel effort to promote economic diplomacy, a roundtable meeting was organized involving members of the Brazilian business community and Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan, providing a platform to explore new investment and trade opportunities. Additional engagements included discussions with senior representatives of the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) and the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), two of Brazil’s leading policy and research institutions.
Kazakhstan’s Emerging Role in BRICS
BRICS currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. As of January 1, 2025, Kazakhstan will officially hold the status of a BRICS partner country, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan’s active engagement at the BRICS CFM reflects its growing commitment to multilateralism, inclusive development, and enhanced cooperation with the Global South to shape a more equitable and sustainable global order.
