Cape Town, 26 April 2023 (TDI): The Deputy Minister of International Relations and cooperation, Candith Mashego-Dlamini chaired the Ninth BRICS Middle East North Africa (MENA).

These countries, also referred to as MENA region have a long history of diverse civilizations, cultures, and traditions that helped improve many aspects of life, including science, the arts, culture and politics.

Additionally, the meeting was an opportunity to the high officials to exchange views on the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa regions.

The meeting started off with warm remarks by Prof. Anil Sooklal, South African Head of Delegation at the meeting.

He said, “South Asia has always maintained that the countries of the region must be left alone to resolve their differences. WE have always spoken out against outside interference.”

We have seen the appetite amongst the countries of the region to take control in their own hands,” he added

Furthermore, he also expressed the concerns of the state regarding the disturbing situation in Sudan. He expressed his hope to see peace in the country. As it is an established fact that economic prosperity follows regional peace and security.

While speaking at the Ninth BRICS Middle East North Africa (MENA), he added that the issue will be brought to discussion in the meeting, and BRICS community will discuss what it can contribute in lessening the humanitarian crisis in the State.

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Deputy Minister Candith of South Africa and Chinese Ambassador Zhai Jun exchanged words in the bilateral meeting.

Afterwards, the Deputy Minister also met her Russian counterpart. She conveyed that South Africa places its economic integration and development at the top of its priority list.

South Africa is looking forward to hosting the 15th BRICS summit, that is to be held in August 2023.