Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the BRICS countries, as a positive and constructive force on the international stage, to lead by example in becoming a bulwark for the cause of peace and development.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the call while attending the first phase of the BRICS foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira chaired the meeting, where participants discussed the role of BRICS countries in promoting peace and security.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Wang said the establishment of the world organization opened a new chapter in the joint pursuit of world peace and development by countries, driving significant progress in human civilization.

Eighty years later, the international landscape is undergoing profound changes, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, and the cause of world peace and development faces new severe challenges. The basic principles of international cooperation have been eroded, the foundation of international relations is facing challenges, and the international environment for peaceful development is experiencing shocks, he said. At this critical historical juncture, whether countries can make the right choices will determine the future of humanity, Wang stressed.

Wang urged the BRICS countries to uphold universal security, implement the Global Security Initiative, promote security governance through mutual respect, and build lasting peace based on fairness and justice.

He also called on the BRICS countries to active promote peace and dialogue.

China supports all efforts dedicated to peacefully resolving the Ukraine crisis, and hopes the all the parties involved will address the root causes of the crisis and hammer out a fair and lasting peace deal that is binding and accepted by all the parties concerned, Wang said.

Regarding the Middle East issue, Wang said the pressing priority is to promote a full ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, alleviate the humanitarian disaster.

The long-term solution is to advance the two-state solution, realize the peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. China is ready to work with BRICS countries to promote long-term peace and stability in the Middle East, he said.

Wang also urged BRICS countries to continue upholding open cooperation, firmly defend the multilateral trading system, promote mutually beneficial and integrated development among countries, and support universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with BRICS countries in poverty reduction, agriculture, education, healthcare, and other areas, and provide more public goods for the Global South, he said.

The Chinese foreign minister called for enhancing practical cooperation, including fully utilizing the counter-terrorism working group to strengthen information sharing, experience exchange, and promote law enforcement cooperation and capacity building. He also emphasized building the BRICS vaccine research and development center, effectively implementing the BRICS Food Security Cooperation Strategy, and expanding cooperation in new domains such as deep-sea, polar regions, and outer space.

All parties welcomed Indonesia’s participation as a formal member for the first time in the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting and supported the series of major global initiatives proposed by China.

In the face of the complex evolution of geopolitical situations, they said that BRICS countries should strengthen unity and cooperation, oppose power politics and double standards, and advocate resolving crises and conflicts through diplomacy rather than the use of force, cooperation rather than confrontation, and multilateralism rather than unilateralism. They should join hands to defend the legitimate rights and interests of BRICS countries and the common interests of the Global South, foster a more equitable and reasonable international order, and promote an open, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

Chinese FM calls on BRICS countries to preserve world peace, development

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests