Tuesday, 22 October 2024 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Kazan, Russian Federation, to represent South Africa at the XVI BRICS Summit. The summit, taking place from 22 to 24 October 2024, is centred around the theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.”
This visit is significant as President Ramaphosa will engage in multiple high-level discussions that align with South Africa’s strategic interests. Today, he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin, creating a platform to convey the priorities of South Africa’s seventh administration, emphasise the strategic relevance of Russia to South Africa, and share perspectives on topics of mutual interest.
President Ramaphosa’s agenda also includes several bilateral discussions with other global leaders attending the summit. These meetings are designed to deepen political and economic ties, in line with South Africa’s foreign policy and national priorities. Strengthening relationships with BRICS nations is key to South Africa’s diplomatic strategy, as the country seeks to enhance international cooperation on various fronts.
Later in the evening, President Ramaphosa will be part of the Welcome Cultural Ceremony, hosted by President Putin as Chair of BRICS 2024. This event will offer BRICS Leaders a platform to foster unity and understanding within the bloc.
Focus on Multilateralism and Global Development
On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, the President is expected to deliver a key address during the BRICS Plenary session, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.” This plenary session will allow South Africa to reaffirm its commitment to multilateral cooperation as a crucial tool for achieving global development and stability.
In addition to this, the President will participate in the Welcoming Ceremony for Heads of Delegations, which will include representatives from BRICS states, invited countries, and international organisations. Such engagements aim to reinforce the collective strength of BRICS in shaping global governance.
On 24 October 2024, during the BRICS Summit Outreach/BRICS Plus session, President Ramaphosa will deliver South Africa’s second country statement. This session, themed “BRICS and Global South: Building a Better World Together,” seeks to fortify BRICS ties with major developing economies, particularly those in the Global South. The Outreach session aims to highlight how BRICS can contribute towards fostering partnerships that support global sustainable development.
BRICS: A Cornerstone for a Multipolar World
BRICS continues to play a central role in promoting a multipolar world order, characterised by multilateralism, cooperation, and shared development. The bloc’s collective focus on sustainable growth and the reform of global governance structures remains a key talking point.
A founding principle of BRICS is the shared recognition of the urgent need to reform international political, economic, and financial systems to make them more inclusive and representative. Currently, BRICS accounts for 43% of the world’s population, 32% of global land area, approximately 35% of the world’s GDP, and 20% of global exports. These figures underscore the bloc’s growing influence on global economic and political stages.
The expansion of BRICS, following the invitation extended during the Johannesburg II BRICS Summit in August 2023, demonstrates the bloc’s commitment to growth. The leaders of Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates will convene for the first time since new members were included. This expanded framework provides increased opportunities for mutual cooperation, which is vital for the sustainable development of member nations, including South Africa.
Strategic Discussions and Reports on the Agenda
As part of the summit proceedings, BRICS Leaders will evaluate the progress of cooperative initiatives and address global and regional economic and political developments. A key focus will be placed on reforming global governance systems to be more equitable and just.
Among the items on the agenda will be reports requested during the Johannesburg II BRICS Summit. These include a report from BRICS Foreign Ministers on the potential expansion of the BRICS Partner Country model and possible new candidates. Another crucial report from BRICS Finance Ministers will delve into the consideration of local currencies, new payment mechanisms, and platforms designed to strengthen economic ties between member states. Furthermore, reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism, BRICS Business Council, and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance will be presented.
South African Delegation
President Ramaphosa is joined by key members of his cabinet, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. Their presence underscores the significance of this summit to South Africa’s broader political and economic agenda.
The XVI BRICS Summit marks an important moment for South Africa as it seeks to reinforce its role on the global stage, particularly within the framework of BRICS. As the summit unfolds, South Africa’s efforts to foster multilateralism, sustainable development, and global security will undoubtedly be key talking points as leaders gather to map the future of this influential bloc.
