African leaders are currently gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa holding dialogue with the BRICS leaders seeking deepened cooperation.
The dialogue chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa is guided by the theme; BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.
Various leaders have delivered their remarks at the dialogue;
Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed said more inclusive multilateralism is crucial to overcoming challenges. By amplifying voices from various corners of the world, we can work for an equitable and peaceful world. Collectivity is essential to solving global challenges.
Isaias Afwerki, President of the State of Eritrea stated that the BRICS share the values and aspirations of multilateralism and must shoulder the responsibility of strengthening global cooperation underpinned by international law and the United Nations Charter.
Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo during the Dialogue stated that global cooperation must be based on the basis of respect, mutual benefit and to support Africa address the root causes of conflict.
Ms Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, noted, ‘We must preserve the multilateral trading system & trade in our own local currencies. We must stop sanctions and counter sanctions & the commission of war.’
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) noted, ‘We need to find a suitable formula for peace, stability and security based on the UN Charter.’
According to the African Union Chair, Industrialisation can help further the green transition, BRICS can help promote and enhance research in pharmaceutical products and refers to vaccines manufacturing in South Africa. African countries have the capacity to contribute to global development efforts.
The UN secretary General Guterres told the dialogue, ‘We are moving to a multipolar world but this alone is not a guarantee of global peace and stability. Look at Europe in the beginning of the 20th century. Europe was multipolar but lacked multilateral architecture and processes leading to the First World War.’
Guterres added that there is no alternative to cooperation; ‘we must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism for the future and the common good.’
Chinese President Xi Jinping says developing countries should stay committed to a community of shared development and ensure no country is left behind.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the dialogue; ‘When we use the term Global South, it’s not just a new diplomatic term. In the past, we have always opposed colonialism and apartheid. Based on this strong history, we have given new shape to our modern relations.’
The XV Summit has adopted guiding principles on the BRICS EXPANSION.Following countries invited to join .
Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These countries will be full members of BRICS with effect from 1 January 2024.