Statement by H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand

at the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting

in the session “The Role of the Global South in Reinforcing Multilateralism”

Tuesday 29 April 2025, Palácio Itamaraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Excellency Mr. Mauro Vieira,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Colleagues,

1. It is a great honour for me to participate once again in the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting hosted by Brazil. I extend my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency Mauro Vieira for your kind invitation to this important and timely meeting.

2. The global landscape has evolved dramatically since our meetings in Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan last year. We are now witnessing an increasingly deglobalised world, with wide-ranging impacts on both large and small countries alike. For those in the Global South, it is important for us to hold on together as we navigate the stormy seas where strong currents occur relentlessly and small countries are most at risk. Through it all, what remains unchanged is Thailand’s steadfast commitment to BRICS and to the Global South.

3. In light of the challenging geopolitical and economic landscape, the expansion of BRICS membership will strengthen our cause in protecting the Global South. It is our firm belief that the inclusion of new members and partners will help further strengthen BRICS’ role as a leading platform in shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive global governance framework that genuinely reflects the interests of the Global South.

4. In this regard, we warmly congratulate our fellow ASEAN Member State, Indonesia, on her accession to BRICS earlier this year. Thailand reaffirms our aspiration and commitment to become a full member of BRICS soonest.

Excellencies,

5. Thailand commends Brazil’s visionary leadership and the timely selection of this meeting’s theme. It reflects the very path we must pursue: strengthening multilateralism.

6. Thailand has always been an active proponent of multilateralism as a guarantor of peace and economic stability. We firmly believe in its value and necessity.

7. Earlier this month, we had the honour of hosting the 6^th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, Summit, which led to tangible progress in many key areas, such as maritime transport cooperation, connectivity, and public health for Southeast Asia and South Asia.

8. As Chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (or ACD), Thailand looks forward to engaging BRICS and the New Development Bank in the upcoming ACD High-Level Conference on International Financial Architecture later this year.

9. In the spirit of collaboration, I wish to propose some thoughts on how BRICS can further reinforce multilateral cooperation.

10. First, we must unlock and fully leverage our collective economic and development potential. I propose that we prioritise strengthening business-to-business linkages, technological and educational exchanges, and development cooperation. Thailand is ready to explore trilateral development initiatives with BRICS members in support of other developing countries.

11. Second, we must enhance our collective resilience to future uncertainties. In particular, we should focus on strengthening public health systems. Thailand stands ready to collaborate with BRICS, especially in vaccine research and development, as well as tropical diseases.

12. Third, we must seize every opportunity to consult and align our efforts at upcoming global forums.

13. The 4^th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), to be held in Spain in two months’ time, offers an excellent opportunity to address the pressing issue of financing the Sustainable Development Goals.

14. COP30 also represents a critical venue for fostering international cooperation toward a just green transition for the Global South. We are confident in Brazil’s capable leadership to steer the conference toward a successful and inclusive outcome.

Excellencies,

15. To conclude, I reaffirm Thailand’s unwavering commitment to BRICS and our readiness to contribute meaningfully to concrete and results-oriented cooperation in the areas I have outlined.

16. Thailand will proactively engage in efforts to deepen cooperation within and alongside BRICS – fostering a multilateralism that is inclusive, equitable, and anchored in solidarity with the Global South.

Thank you.

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