BRICS Engagement, BRICS Plus Platforms Offer Development Opportunities: Ramaphosa

The BRICS Engagement and BRICS Plus platforms provide an opportunity for countries to build stronger relationships for development, as per President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Speaking at the first session of the BRICS/Plus Countries in Kazan, Russia, Ramaphosa acknowledged that this powerful group represents about 35% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 20% of world exports.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are meeting for the first time since new members were invited to join BRICS at the Johannesburg BRICS Summit on Aug. 23, last year.

"The BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets," he said, SA News reported. "We should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement. We should use the BRICS platform to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of our peoples."

The president welcomed initiatives from Russia aimed at helping other BRICS nations. Ramaphosa mentioned that these initiatives would help find new and creative ways to enhance connections among the countries.

He expressed support for Russian efforts to strengthen several BRICS countries through various networks focused on improving transportation and connectivity under the theme "Innovation and Digitalisation of Transport."

The president noted that work has already started on this through the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects St. Petersburg in Russia to Mumbai in India. He said this corridor presents an opportunity for the region to create new trade flows and routes in a world that is becoming increasingly multipolar.

Ramaphosa said that the African Continental Free Trade Area will create opportunities for trade and investment for both local and global businesses. He explained that it would lead to a more integrated and connected continent.

He urged BRICS countries and their allies to use these projects to strengthen connections within the broader Global South. The president called for a resolution to conflicts that are increasing in the Middle East and Africa.

The president stressed the importance of finding lasting solutions to these issues. He highlighted the need to commit to peaceful resolutions through negotiation and inclusive dialogue, as well as to protect the right of countries to pursue their foreign policies.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the multilateral system, which is essential for international relations and creating an environment of peace and development. The President stated that conflicts cannot be allowed to continue forever.