The deepening of cooperation in security within the BRICS countries will help strengthen the UN Security Council, Brazilian Ambassador to Russia Antonio Guerreiro said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — At the fifth meeting of BRICS high representatives for security issues in Moscow Antonio Guerreiro said:

“This is a fine opportunity to deepen our cooperation on security issues.”

He said that a better understanding among the BRICS countries would strengthen the UN Security Council.

Russia’s representative at the meeting, Nikolai Patrushev, said that BRICS has proven its ability to resolve a large number of multiple issues despite the doubts of critics.

“I’m convinced that our meeting today will further advance the role of BRICS in international affairs,” Patrushev said.

He added that the ties among the BRICS countries are based on solidarity and do not target third countries.

BRICS is an association of emerging economies, comprising Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa.

The five group members include more than one third of the world’s population and are developing nations whose political and economic influence continues to steadily increase.

In April, Russia accepted presidency of BRICS and is hosting a number of events, including a summit in the city of Ufa, scheduled for early July.