South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi…reports Africa Daily News Desk
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as leaders of the expanded grouping prepare to discuss trade, investment, global governance and cooperation among developing economies.
The summit will be held on September 12 and 13 under India’s chairship, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security”.
The two day meeting is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among BRICS members through a people centred development agenda, while expanding trade and investment and deepening financial and institutional cooperation.
Leaders will also discuss reform of the United Nations and international financial institutions, along with ways to strengthen the voice and interests of the Global South in global decision making.
The summit comes against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as wider competition between major powers. These challenges continue to create economic uncertainty and threaten progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
BRICS has expanded significantly in recent years and now comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Partner countries and invited nations are also expected to participate in the New Delhi discussions.
South Africa plans to use the summit to advance its diplomatic and economic priorities, with particular emphasis on increasing trade and investment among BRICS members.
Pretoria will also seek greater cooperation on industrialisation and value addition, while pushing for investment in African infrastructure linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Ramaphosa will take part in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue, bringing together political leaders and business representatives to discuss opportunities for stronger commercial ties.
The forum will cover areas including trade and supply chains, agriculture, women led development, the digital economy and innovation.
South Africa’s representatives from the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance will also participate, with the aim of identifying opportunities for investment and deeper economic cooperation.
BRICS leaders will further participate in a session titled “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism”, focusing on efforts to strengthen international cooperation.
An additional session involving invited leaders will address “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth”.
The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, setting out the key outcomes and commitments agreed by participating leaders.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi.
The New Delhi summit will provide BRICS leaders with an opportunity to strengthen cooperation within the expanded grouping while seeking a greater role for emerging economies in shaping the global economic and political order.
