BRICS Summit to Showcase South Africa’s Commitment to Global Collaboration and Prosperity

By Tinashe Mpasiri

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the evening of the 20th of August 2023, highlighting South Africa’s foreign policy approach in the context of hosting the 15th BRICS Summit. As the host country, South Africa takes center stage in global discussions that aim to address various challenges and foster international cooperation.

In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the fundamental role of international relations in driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and fostering prosperity. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Tinashe Mpasiri, a member of the Banking On Africa’s Future (BOAF) Network and an expert on international relations.

Mr. Mpasiri stated, “South Africa’s foreign policy, characterized by collaboration and exchange of ideas, skills transfer, and shared technology, plays a pivotal role in delivering on the promise of a diverse, inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Africa. The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for increased engagement among member states and holds the potential to shape global dynamics through economic power, political influence, and development cooperation.”

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) member countries collectively represent a quarter of the global economy and account for a substantial portion of global trade and population. Mr. Mpasiri underscored the significance of BRICS beyond its sheer size, stating that these nations can collectively drive meaningful changes in the world economy and international relations.

“BRICS countries share a common vision for a more equitable and balanced global order. This shared perspective enables them to advocate for an inclusive system of global governance,” Mr. Mpasiri commented. He highlighted the positive impact of South Africa’s membership in BRICS, including strategic relationships with other member countries and collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, and innovation.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa touched on the potential expansion of BRICS membership. Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS, and many others have expressed interest. Mr. Mpasiri emphasized that an expanded BRICS could create diverse partnerships to promote a more balanced global order, leading to increased trade and collaboration.

The 15th BRICS Summit, attended by more than 30 African Heads of State and Government, aims to strengthen the partnership between BRICS and Africa. Mr. Mpasiri stated, “Africa holds immense potential for trade, investment, and infrastructure development. By aligning BRICS member countries with the African Continental Free Trade Area, opportunities for growth can be unlocked.”

As the world faces complex challenges and increasing polarization, President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s commitment to an open and rules-based global governance system. “We are devoted to supporting peace and development through dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy,” he stated.

In conclusion, Mr. Mpasiri emphasized that South Africa’s approach to foreign relations seeks collaboration, trade opportunities, and investment, while working towards global peace and development. As the country prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, its commitment to fostering international cooperation and prosperity remains steadfast.

As the week unfolds, international leaders and guests will gather in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, offering an opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to peace, friendship, and global progress.

BRICS Summit to Showcase South Africa’s Commitment to Global Collaboration and Prosperity

By Tinashe Mpasiri

Johannesburg, August 20, 2023 – President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation today, highlighting South Africa’s foreign policy approach in the context of hosting the 15th BRICS Summit. As the host country, South Africa takes center stage in global discussions that aim to address various challenges and foster international cooperation.

In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the fundamental role of international relations in driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and fostering prosperity. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Tinashe Mpasiri, a member of the Banking On Africa’s Future (BOAF) Network and an expert on international relations.

Mr. Mpasiri stated, “South Africa’s foreign policy, characterized by collaboration and exchange of ideas, skills transfer, and shared technology, plays a pivotal role in delivering on the promise of a diverse, inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Africa. The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for increased engagement among member states and holds the potential to shape global dynamics through economic power, political influence, and development cooperation.”

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) member countries collectively represent a quarter of the global economy and account for a substantial portion of global trade and population. Mr. Mpasiri underscored the significance of BRICS beyond its sheer size, stating that these nations can collectively drive meaningful changes in the world economy and international relations.

“BRICS countries share a common vision for a more equitable and balanced global order. This shared perspective enables them to advocate for an inclusive system of global governance,” Mr. Mpasiri commented. He highlighted the positive impact of South Africa’s membership in BRICS, including strategic relationships with other member countries and collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, and innovation.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa touched on the potential expansion of BRICS membership. Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS, and many others have expressed interest. Mr. Mpasiri emphasized that an expanded BRICS could create diverse partnerships to promote a more balanced global order, leading to increased trade and collaboration.

The 15th BRICS Summit, attended by more than 30 African Heads of State and Government, aims to strengthen the partnership between BRICS and Africa. Mr. Mpasiri stated, “Africa holds immense potential for trade, investment, and infrastructure development. By aligning BRICS member countries with the African Continental Free Trade Area, opportunities for growth can be unlocked.”

As the world faces complex challenges and increasing polarization, President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s commitment to an open and rules-based global governance system. “We are devoted to supporting peace and development through dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy,” he stated.

In conclusion, Mr. Mpasiri emphasized that South Africa’s approach to foreign relations seeks collaboration, trade opportunities, and investment, while working towards global peace and development. As the country prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, its commitment to fostering international cooperation and prosperity remains steadfast.

As the week unfolds, international leaders and guests will gather in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, offering an opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to peace, friendship, and global progress.