JOHANNESBURG

The BRICS leaders said on Thursday that they note with appreciation the pertinent mediation proposals aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the United Nations Security Council and United Nations General Assembly,” the leaders said in the Johannesburg II Declaration at the end of the three-day 15th BRICS summit.

They also lauded the efforts of the African Leaders Peace Mission that recently traveled to both Ukraine and Russia in pursuit of mediation.

The bloc also emphasized the importance of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through peaceful and diplomatic means in accordance with international law.

They also expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whenever and wherever it occurs.

“We recognize the threat emanating from terrorism, extremism conducive to terrorism and radicalization,” the declaration said.

The bloc also pledged to combat terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorist movements, terrorism financing networks, and safe havens, saying, "We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group."

Earlier, the emerging economies bloc which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, announced the inclusion of six new countries, inviting Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as new full members.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said BRICS leaders have tasked their finance ministers and Reserve Bank governors to consider the issue of making payments in their local currencies and a report back will be provided at the next summit.

More than 20 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

“We value the interest of other countries in building a partnership with BRICS,’’ Ramaphosa said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country has always been fully supportive of a BRICS expansion. He added that new members will strengthen the bloc and give it new energy.

He said the BRICS expansion is a message to all global institutions to adapt to global times.​​​​​​​