Foreign ministers from the BRICS group of developing nations failed to reach a joint communique on Tuesday after meeting in Rio de Janeiro, but chair Brazil issued a statement speaking out against trade protectionism.

Amid an increasingly complex international landscape, Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized the need for BRICS nations to unite and collaborate in addressing global risks while playing a central role in promoting peace and sustainable development.‌

Ministers from the bloc — which has traditionally been cautious in comments about the Ukraine war — met to hone their agenda ahead of a leaders' summit in July.