SOUTH AFRICA FINALISES 15TH BRICS SUMMIT FORMAT

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces the readiness of South Africa to host the historic 15th BRICS Summit, highlighting the importance of in-person meetings for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa, on Wednesday, confirmed its preparedness to host the 15th Summit of BRICS nations, a platform comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This summit holds significant importance as it marks the first time the BRICS nations will convene in person since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global restrictions.

Over the past months and weeks, President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in several consultations to ensure the smooth execution of the summit. The latest consultation, held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, was the BRICS Political Party Dialogue, which took place in Gauteng.

While the leaders of Brazil, India, China, and South Africa are expected to attend the summit, it was mutually agreed that President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation would not be present. However, the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ensuring their active participation in the proceedings.

In the coming days, a comprehensive statement will be issued, providing details on the key topics to be covered during the summit, as well as other pertinent foreign policy matters.

President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the success of the summit and called upon the nation to extend warm hospitality to the numerous delegates who will be arriving from various parts of the continent and the globe.

Commenting on the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, Mr. Tinashe Mpasiri, a member of the Banking On Africa’s Future (BOAF) Network, emphasized the importance of BRICS as an aggregator and accelerator of economic cooperation between its member countries.

Mr. Tinashe Mpasiri, a member of the Banking On Africa’s Future (BOAF) Network, highlighted the significance of the 15th BRICS Summit in furthering economic cooperation among the member nations. He stated, “BRICS plays a crucial role as an aggregator and accelerator of economic cooperation between its member countries. With South Africa hosting this landmark summit, it presents an opportunity to strengthen ties and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.”

Mr. Mpasiri further added, “The in-person nature of this summit is particularly significant, as face-to-face interactions allow for more meaningful discussions and better understanding of each other’s perspectives. It is commendable that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the BRICS nations have come together to prioritize dialogue and cooperation.”

As the global economy continues to evolve, Mr. Mpasiri emphasized the need for BRICS to seize this opportunity to foster economic resilience and inclusive growth. “By leveraging the collective strength of its member countries, BRICS can address common challenges, promote sustainable development, and contribute to a more equitable global economic landscape,” he concluded.

The 15th BRICS Summit is set to provide a platform for constructive engagement, cooperation, and forging stronger ties among the member nations. As the delegates converge in South Africa, the world awaits the outcomes of the summit and the potential impact it will have on the global economy.