BRICS leaders strongly deplore the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the Xiamen Declaration released at the ninth BRICS summit Monday. [Special coverage]
"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned," it said.
Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended the BRICS summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen.
The DPRK on Sunday successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile, DPRK's Central Television announced. This was the sixth nuclear test the DPRK has undertaken.
The leaders said the only lasting solution to the crisis in Syria is through an inclusive "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" political process which safeguards the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country.
Committed to making greater contribution to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they are ready to enhance contribution toward a just and lasting resolution of the Middle East conflict, and support international efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence and their support for Iraqi government and its people.
At the same time, they expressed their concern over the situation in Yemen while urging all parties to cease hostilities and resume negotiations supported by the United Nations.
The declaration stressed that "no country should enhance its security at the expense of the security of others."
In addition, the leaders condemned unilateral military interventions, economic sanctions and arbitrary use of unilateral coercive measures in violation of international law and universally recognized norms of international relations. (Updated)
