South African President Cyril Ramaphosa summarises the results of the BRICS Summit

Just over a week ago, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa concluded the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the event historic.

"This was a historic summit marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of BRICS," emphasised Ramaphosa.

The South African leader spoke about the outcome of the 15th BRICS Summit and what it means for South Africa's progress as a nation.

"The summit was attended by five BRICS member countries as well as representatives from 61 other nations. 46 participating countries represented our African continent, including 20 Heads of State and Government. We were also honoured by the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. I wish to thank the people of South Africa for welcoming guests from across the continent and the world. The delegations of some countries numbered up to 600 people"

Cyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa

He said the success of the summit was a merit of South Africa and its people. "It is yet another demonstration of our willingness to host major international events that have a significant impact on the conduct of international affairs far beyond our borders," said the President.

The BRICS summit adopted a number of decisions aimed at continuing the struggle for a fairer and more inclusive world order centred on equal development of all peoples.

One of the key decisions of the BRICS member countries was to support the call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.

"The summit participants said that there should be greater representation of emerging economies on the UN Security Council. This is necessary so that countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, can play a greater role in international affairs. This decision was most significant given that it was supported by two BRICS members who are permanent members of the UN Security Council," said Ramaphosa.

Another important outcome of the summit was the decision to expand the BRICS membership to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The BRICS leaders agreed that the significance of BRICS goes beyond the interests of its current members. They affirmed that the bloc can be more effective and have a greater impact if it builds partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives.

"The enlargement of BRICS will allow us to better harmonise the views of those countries that seek a fairer global governance, financial, investment and trade system based on clear rules that apply equally to all countries. The enlargement of the group also means that we will be able to export more of our products to major markets and, as a result, we will be able to produce more and create more jobs. We have already benefited greatly from relations with Brazil, Russia, India and China," emphasised the South African leader.

The summit also decided that the BRICS finance ministers or central bank governors, depending on the circumstances, should consider the use of our countries' national currencies, payment instruments and platforms in international trade and financial transactions between the BRICS and their respective trading partners.

They are expected to submit a report in this regard at the next summit, as reported by the official website of the South African government.

"As BRICS chair, South Africa has always emphasised the importance of the BRICS alliance in pursuing Africa's development agenda. The summit discussed the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential to transform Africa from an exporter of raw materials to a producer of manufactured goods," said the South African president.

He added that the BRICS countries are important destinations for South Africa's products and services. They are important sources of investment and are becoming increasingly important as tourism markets. These economic ties have been strengthened by the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, which have provided encouraging reports on their work.

"We have regular interaction at many levels: between our businessmen, scientists, professionals, cultural figures, sportsmen, academics, civil servants and youth. This extends to the interaction between the political parties of the BRICS countries. We have agreed to establish a BRICS Youth Council, which will play an important role in determining the future direction of this relationship. We look forward to establishing similar ties and strengthening political and economic relations with the countries that will soon join BRICS," concluded Ramaphosa.