Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Attends BRICS Plus Summit, Calls for Global Cooperation

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented the United Arab Emirates at the BRICS Plus Summit, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, in Kazan, Russia. This summit, organized as part of the BRICS Summit, brought together leaders and representatives from around 38 countries, and was inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event featured high-level discussions with the participation of heads of state, ministers, and government officials, focusing on addressing global challenges through international cooperation.

In his address at the BRICS Plus Summit, Sheikh Abdullah conveyed greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed gratitude to President Putin and the BRICS Russian Chairmanship for hosting the summit. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international dialogue during these challenging times, advocating for collective efforts to tackle global issues and promote shared prosperity. He praised the Russian leadership for fostering a unified vision that elevates BRICS as a platform for international cooperation, not only for problem-solving but also for shaping a future that guarantees prosperity for all nations.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that BRICS is not solely an economic initiative but serves as a model for multidimensional cooperation that extends beyond economic interests. He stated that the platform allows countries to draw from diverse experiences, thus promoting mutual progress. The UAE, he noted, has consistently prioritized international cooperation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He further emphasized that true partnerships are built on shared interests and mutual respect, rather than transient benefits or narrow considerations.

Addressing the gathered dignitaries and representatives, he noted the urgency of collaborative action to build a stable future. He pointed out that the world is experiencing significant shifts that affect all countries, regardless of their economic size or geographic location. These changes include sudden economic fluctuations, accelerating climate change, challenges in the energy sector, and rising conflicts. According to Sheikh Abdullah, these issues require sustainable, long-term solutions, which is the driving force behind the collaboration within the BRICS framework. He reiterated that BRICS’ commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law serves as the foundation for multilateral cooperation aimed at ensuring global stability and peace.

He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the unconditional provision of humanitarian aid, and the initiation of a political process centered on the two-state solution and peaceful coexistence. Sheikh Abdullah also emphasized the need for international efforts to support de-escalation in Lebanon and condemned violations of international law, including aggression against civilians. He urged the international community to address humanitarian crises effectively and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to these efforts.

The speech further touched upon the importance of expanding cooperation with BRICS and its partner nations across various fields, including trade, investment, energy transition, sustainability, transport, and food and water security. Such collaboration, he said, would enable a more effective response to global challenges and lay a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He encouraged developing innovative economic strategies that promote the exchange of expertise and experiences, ensuring mutual benefits for all participating nations.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the significance of multilateralism in today’s interconnected world. He argued that the challenges the world faces, whether economic, environmental, or social, cannot be resolved by individual nations alone. Multilateralism, therefore, is not just an option but a necessity, serving as a basis for stability and growth. He reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to advance this approach through cooperation with BRICS countries and its partners.

He also underscored the vital role that emerging economies and developing nations play in shaping the global economy’s future. The UAE, he noted, believes that the countries of the Global South must be active participants in global economic decision-making. Through its engagement in BRICS activities and close collaboration with partner nations, the UAE aims to foster a cooperative and inclusive approach that supports sustainable development goals.

Sheikh Abdullah pledged continued support for BRICS’ plans to expand its membership and engage positively with other friendly countries and international blocs. He underscored the importance of developing a sustainable institutional framework that facilitates reforms and enhances global partnerships.

Concluding his address, Sheikh Abdullah thanked President Putin and the Russian government for their hospitality and effective organization of the summit. He expressed hope that the summit’s outcomes would strengthen cooperation and contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous global community.

The delegation accompanying Sheikh Abdullah included key UAE officials, such as Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Russia; and Khamis Rashid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Council for Diplomatic and Consular Affairs. These officials played vital roles in representing the UAE’s interests at the summit, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the BRICS framework and international diplomacy.

This summit highlighted the UAE’s strategic approach to global partnerships and multilateralism, underscoring its dedication to addressing complex international challenges through dialogue and cooperation. As the global landscape continues to evolve, such efforts are essential in shaping a stable and prosperous future for all.