As a cooperation mechanism for emerging markets and developing countries with global influence, BRICS is of special significance for deepening cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, as well as promoting post-COVID-19 world economic recovery against the backdrop of the complex epidemic and international situation, Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on the same day that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will chair the virtual meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers on May 19. BRICS Foreign Ministers of Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa will attend the meeting.

The Foreign Ministers' Meeting played an important role in enhancing political mutual trust and deepening cooperation in the political and security fields among the five countries, Wang said.

Wang also noted that China, during the BRICS presidency in 2022, looks forward to promoting communication and coordination with other partners on major international and regional issues, to jointly promote the unity and cooperation of the BRICS countries, maintain genuine multilateralism, combat the epidemic, and prepare for a leaders' meeting.

The spokesperson stressed that there will also be a BRICS+ Foreign Ministers' Dialogue on the sidelines of this year's Foreign Ministers' Meeting, in which the BRICS Foreign Ministers will meet with their counterparts from emerging markets and developing countries.

This dialogue will help to further build consensus, enhance the discourse of emerging market countries and developing countries in global governance, and better safeguard common interests, Wang added.

As the BRICS Chair for this year, China will host the 14th BRICS Summit under the theme of "Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development", a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a previous press conference, noting that public health and vaccine cooperation are among the key areas of BRICS cooperation this year.

Global Times