From June 1 to 2, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the Formal Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ma Zhaoxu said that BRICS countries should uphold the BRICS spirit featuring openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation to continuously deepen pragmatic cooperation and promote high-quality development. BRICS countries should adhere to fairness and justice, adhere to self-confidence, self-reliance, independence and self-improvement, strengthen strategic communication and coordination with vast developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China fully supports South Africa’s work as the BRICS chairmanship, and is ready to work with BRICS partners to ensure the complete success of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. China welcomes and expects new members to join the BRICS family at an early date.

The BRICS foreign ministers said that under the new circumstances, it is necessary to strengthen BRICS cooperation, advance the solidarity and strength of developing countries, promote the reform of the global governance system, accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute to the peaceful development of the world.

The BRICS foreign ministers issued a joint statement expounding on their positions and stances on BRICS cooperation, the international situation and global issues.