BRICS foreign ministers to meet in Hague
March 23, 2014, 12:19 pm

BRICS have repeatedly backed a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue [Xinhua]

BRICS have earlier highlighted the need for nuclear energy in these five emerging economies.

“Nuclear energy will continue to be an important element in future energy mix of BRICS countries. International cooperation in the development of safe nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should proceed under conditions of strict observance of relevant safety standards and requirements concerning design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants,” said the Sanya declaration of the BRICS Summit in 2011 in China.

Ahead of the summit, South Africa has stressed on disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

“South Africa’s participation in the NSS process is informed by the shared vision of a world free of weapons of mass destruction, and in particular nuclear weapons,” said a South African Foreign Ministry statement.

South Africa’s Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has arrived in Netherlands to attend the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) this week.

“The 2014 Nuclear Security Summit takes place within this broader framework of South Africa’s triple objectives of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” said the statement.

South Africa’s Energy Minister Ben Martins is also attending the NSS.

South Africa has welcomed the progress that has been made since the first summit in Washington DC to strengthen nuclear security at national level, and through multilateral organisations, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

BRICS have repeatedly backed a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

“We recognise Iran´s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its international obligations,” said a BRICS statement at the Durban summit in 2013.

TBP