On November 24, 2011, BRICS countries held the vice foreign ministerial level consultations on the Middle East situation in Moscow. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and the Russian, Indian, Brazilian and South African delegations attended the event.

Zhai said that changes in the Middle East have political and social ramifications to countries in the region and significant impact on the international political, economic and security situation. A Middle East which enjoys political openness and inclusiveness, independent external policy, sustainable economic growth, security, peace and stability serve the common interests of countries in the region as well as the international community. BRICS countries should work together to help ease tension in the region gradually and support the autonomous political transition and economic and social reconstruction of countries in the region. Meanwhile, BRICS countries should strengthen communication and coordination, uphold the spirit of open cooperation, jointly safeguard the basic norms of international laws and oppose military intervention of external forces in the region.

A joint communiqué which was issued during the consultations called upon all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Middle East countries, carry out extensive dialogue by peaceful means and actively seek solution to the crisis. BRICS countries oppose the interference of external forces in the internal affairs of countries in the Middle East and uphold the UN Security Council should play an active role. They will make active contributions to regional stability, peace and development. The joint communiqué also elaborated BRICS countries' position on the issues of Syria, Libya, Yemen, the Middle East peace process and Iran.

Prior to the consultations, Zhai held a bilateral meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and exchanged opinions on the regional situation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also collectively met with the heads of delegations.