140-point BRICS Summit declaration released: Emphasis on Palestine, Cuba, and local currencies

The 18th BRICS Leaders Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, concluded with the adoption of a 140-point final declaration. Held under the theme "Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability," the summit featured key topics including global governance reform, multilateralism, economic cooperation, and regional crises.

In the declaration, BRICS countries reiterated their goal of a more representative and equitable international order, arguing that institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization must be reformed to better reflect current global balances.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECLARATION

Regarding economy and finance, it was stated that the BRICS Payments Task Force is continuing its work on cross-border payment mechanisms. The declaration noted the acceptance of discussions on promoting trade payments and investments in BRICS local currencies, while respecting national priorities. The goal was defined as developing faster, lower-cost, accessible, transparent, and secure payment solutions among member countries.

One of the notable sections of the declaration concerned unilateral sanctions and measures against Cuba. The text reiterated the call for an end to these measures, drawing attention to the humanitarian consequences of the economic, commercial, and financial measures imposed on Cuba for the country's economy, energy supply, and its people.

The issue of Palestine was addressed in multiple points of the declaration. BRICS countries called for the preservation of a ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded provision of humanitarian access. The text emphasized opposition to policies aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and stated that steps that could lead to geographical or demographic changes in Gaza are rejected.

The declaration also expressed commitment to a two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It was noted that unilateral measures aimed at changing the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem are rejected.

In the point regarding Syria, commitment to the country's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity was emphasized. While stating that the issue of foreign terrorist fighters poses a serious risk to the security of Syria and the region, the declaration also included the necessity for occupying forces to withdraw from Syria.

The summit declaration also provided messages of cooperation across a wide spectrum, including climate finance, food security, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, health, education, culture, tourism, and sports. It was stated that the role of the New Development Bank in supporting infrastructure and development projects in developing countries should be increased.

In the final section of the declaration, gratitude was expressed to India for its 2026 BRICS chairmanship, and support was expressed for China's 2027 chairmanship and the hosting of the 19th BRICS Summit in China.

News Source: 12punto