Tshwane, 21 August 2023 (TDI): The countdown to the 15th BRICS Summit has started as it will be commenced from tomorrow till August 24, in South Africa.
The Summit will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
With only one day to go, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa addressed his nation regarding South Africa’s Foreign Policy in the light of hosting the 15th BRICS Summit.
At the outset of the address, the South African President highlighted that he will be receiving the President of the People’s Republic of China, XI Jinping, a day ahead of the Summit.
Along with President Xi Jinping, many bilateral engagements will be held with President Lula Da Silva of Brazil, Prime Minister Modi of India and many other heads of state on the sidelines of the Summit.
He in the light of the BRICS Summit, highlighted the Foreign Policy of South Africa, based on the key pillars of the promotion of human rights, peace and stability and strengthening trade and investment ties with other countries.
The President emphasized that its foreign policy has positioned South Africa as a reliable and influential partner in Africa and in the world, enabling it to have cordial relations with other countries in sectors of politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, sports and much more.
He called these principles to be the guiding lines for South Africa’s participation in BRICS.
Wonders of BRICS
The South African President further highlighted the opportunities that come along with membership in BRICS.
He ardently emphasized that the BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and with joint efforts display the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
He continued to delineate that the membership of South Africa has brought greater opportunities for the country, strengthening trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries, especially China.
Additionally, South Africa has also developed collaboration in areas of development, skills, technology, security and innovation.
In contributing to the wonders of BRICS, he stated that South Africa has also benefited from the New Development Bank which has funded various infrastructural projects counting to the value of R100 billion.
He mentioned that in further advancing the African development agenda, more than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the 15th BRICS Summit.
Expanding the Membership of BRICS
During the address, the President pinpointed one of the notable points of discussion from the agenda list of the 15th BRICS Summit including the issue of the possible expansion of the membership of BRICS.
The South African President brought to focus that more than 20 countries have formally applied for membership and several others have shown interest to become part of the BRICS family. He further highlighted that South Africa supports BRICS expansion.
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He brought to focus that for the 15th BRICS Summit, along with African leaders in attendance, South Africa will be welcoming leaders from several countries of Global South as well.
This includes the countries from the Caribbean and South America, the Middle East, West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia.
He accentuated that South Africa wants to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that the African continent can unlatch the door of opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructural development.
Finally, with the countdown of the 15th BRICS Summit running on the clock, the President notified the South African nation that tomorrow the streets will be filled with visitors and guests from different countries.
He called the nation to welcome the guests with the utmost warmth and hospitality which the people of South Africa are known for.
