The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and others in a forum that excludes the United States will criticise unilateral protectionist measures and call for a renewed defence of the multilateral trading system, reflecting mounting international concern over US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

Vieira noted that, in an effort to end the war, Brazil and China—both BRICS members—convened a high-level meeting in New York in September last year. The initiative led to the creation of the Group of Friends of Peace, which brings together Global South countries, primarily developing nations from the southern hemisphere.