This photo taken on Aug 21, 2023 shows a view near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

JOHANNESBURG - The BRICS countries said here on Thursday that they welcome and support the inclusion of the African Union as a member of the Group of Twenty at this year's G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi.  

The remarks were made in the Johannesburg II Declaration adopted following the three-day 15th BRICS Summit.

The five countries also said they oppose trade barriers including those under the pretext of tackling climate change imposed by certain developed countries.

They reiterate their commitment to enhancing coordination on these issues, according to the declaration.

Calling for the restoration of a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organization, the five countries said the system should be accessible to all WTO members by 2024 and urged the selection of the WTO's new Appellate Body Members without further delay.

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The BRICS countries stressed their commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations which are prerequisites to maintain peace and security

The BRICS countries stressed the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between the countries and their trading partners.

They said that they encourage "strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the BRICS countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies."

Meanwhile, they said it is imperative to refrain from any coercive measures not based on international law and the UN Charter.

The five countries stressed their commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations which are prerequisites to maintain peace and security.

BRICS countries also voiced support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.

They said the reform needs to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges.

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The five countries said they support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the UN, including its Security Council.