Secretary (South), External Affairs Ministry, Dr. Neena Malhotra chaired the meeting of BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys for the Middle East and North Africa (BRICS MENA) in New Delhi today. The participants had a constructive exchange of views on the current regional developments.

Members expressed deep concern on the recent conflict in the Middle East and offered views and assessments on the matter. The Chair’s Statement on BRICS MENA said that the discussions covered the Palestine issue and the Gaza situation.

These include the provision of humanitarian aid, the role of UNRWA, a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon, the unacceptability of attacks on UNIFIL, and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation in Syria. Members discussed political settlement in Yemen, stability and development in Iraq, the political process in Libya, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.