Representatives from the BRICS group of emerging economies have reached an agreement on a joint declaration for their upcoming leaders summit in Rio de Janeiro, according to individuals familiar with the discussions.

This unified statement—something the group’s foreign ministers were unable to finalize during a previous meeting in April—highlights their determination to maintain consensus despite the bloc’s recent expansion.

Originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the group grew last year to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. While this expansion has increased the group’s global influence and its ambition to represent the Global South, it has also made negotiations on complex geopolitical issues more challenging.

In the lead-up to the summit, negotiators faced difficulties in aligning on language related to the conflict in Gaza, tensions between Israel and Iran, and the question of African representation in a proposed reform of the United Nations Security Council.

To address differing views among African countries on Security Council representation, the group decided to support seats for Brazil and India, while postponing a decision on which African nation should take a leading role.

Sources also indicated that the joint statement will include stronger language on Middle East conflicts, building on previous expressions of concern issued earlier in the year.

On economic matters, the group plans to continue voicing opposition to what they see as unfair trade practices, including the use of broad tariff increases—a continuation of criticism aimed at past U.S. trade policy.