The heads of state of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) reaffirmed their commitment to contribute towards a “comprehensive, just and lasting” solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.In the Fortaleza Declaration signed Tuesday (July 15) after the 6th Summit of the BRICS, the representatives pointed out that settling the conflict is key to peace in the Middle East.

In the document, the leaders call upon the UN Security Council to fully exercise their functions with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict. “We oppose the continuous construction and expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories by the Israeli Government, which violates international law, gravely undermines peace efforts and threatens the viability of the two-State solution,” the document read.

The issue was also raised in the addressed of the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. According to him, the BRICS countries should continue to support efforts to help the two parties resume talks for a negotiated and peaceful solution to the political crisis. “We maintain our belief that the two nations should seek a solution so that they can live peacefully side by side. That is the only way to stabilize the situation in the Middle East,” he said.

The Declaration of Fortaleza went on to convey “deep concern” about the situation in Ukraine. “We call for a comprehensive dialogue, the de-escalation of the conflict and restraint from all the actors involved, with a view to finding a peaceful political solution, in full compliance with the UN Charter and universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The BRICS also support Iraq's government in its efforts to overcome the crisis, preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The group urged regional and global actors to refrain from interfering in ways that may aggravate the crisis in the region and to support the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people to overcome the crisis. “We emphasize the importance of national reconciliation and unity in Iraq, taking into consideration the wars and conflicts the Iraqi people have suffered and in this context we commend the peaceful and orderly holding of the latest parliamentary elections.”

The use of chemical weapons and terrorism was condemned in the declaration, which also conveyed the BRICS's concern about rights violations and the humanitarian situation in Syria.