Expanded 11-Nation BRICS Bloc Sets Foreign Ministers Meeting for April 28-29 in Rio

Brazil will welcome foreign ministers from all 11 BRICS nations to Rio de Janeiro on April 28-29, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio confirmed last Friday.

The high-level diplomatic gathering marks the first major ministerial meeting under Brazil’s 2025 BRICS presidency. It will follow the second Sherpa Meeting, scheduled for April 24-27.

The expanded BRICS bloc now represents approximately 46% of global GDP and includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, Iran, and Indonesia. Brazil assumed the rotating presidency on January 1 and has organized over 100 ministerial and technical meetings through July.

Brazilian officials have adopted the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” for their presidency. They aim to address six priority areas during these discussions.

The agenda focuses on global health cooperation, trade and investment facilitation, climate change initiatives, artificial intelligence governance, reform of multilateral institutions, and BRICS institutional development.

The ministers will discuss the creation of alternative payment systems to enhance intra-BRICS trade. This initiative has sparked tension with the United States, as President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS nations seeking dollar alternatives in international trade.

Brazil Prepares for Key BRICS Meetings

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira announced that the Rio meetings will pave the way for the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on July 6-7. Heads of state from member countries will gather to finalize “very important decisions for development and cooperation,” according to Vieira.

The July schedule also includes a meeting of BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors on July 5. Brazil’s Ministry of Finance and Central Bank will co-chair this session, focusing on financial cooperation among the expanded membership.

Brazil connects its BRICS leadership with its upcoming role as host of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November. Ambassador Lyrio expressed satisfaction with progress on climate initiatives after the February sherpas meeting in Brasília. The meeting featured active participation from President Lula.

As BRICS continues to position itself as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions, the April ministerial meeting is a crucial step. It plays a key role in shaping the bloc’s expanding global influence.