Johannesburg, July 21- South African diplomat Anil Sooklal recently emphasized the primary objective behind the formation of the BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. According to Sooklal, the alliance was created to confront the existing imbalances in the global order. As the world anticipates the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the event in person has garnered attention.
In his role as the Ambassador at Large for Asia and BRICS at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Anil Sooklal took to radio station 702 to discuss the significance of the BRICS bloc and its mission. The alliance, comprising five major economies, was established to address the disparities and inequities that persist in the current world order. By coming together, these nations seek to foster greater cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and drive collective solutions to global challenges.
The BRICS Summit, scheduled from August 22 to 24, is a pivotal event that allows member countries to reaffirm their commitment to the alliance’s principles and goals. However, it was recently revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit in person. Instead, Russia will be represented by its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while President Putin will deliver his speech via video conference.Despite the change in the format of Russia’s participation, the significance of the BRICS Summit remains undiminished. The bloc represents over 40% of the world’s population and holds a substantial share of global GDP. As such, the decisions and collaborations within the BRICS framework have far-reaching implications for the international community.
Since its inception in 2009, the BRICS alliance has been striving to strengthen its member countries’ positions on the global stage. With each member nation bringing unique strengths and resources to the table, the bloc has aimed to promote multilateralism, enhance economic cooperation, and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive world order.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement regarding President Putin’s virtual participation in the summit underscores the bloc’s adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. In the spirit of cooperation and unity, BRICS members understand the importance of continuing their engagements, even in challenging times.
The absence of President Putin at the summit in person does not detract from the shared commitment of BRICS nations to address pressing global challenges. Sergey Lavrov’s presence as the representative of Russia ensures that the dialogue and cooperation among the five nations remain uninterrupted.
As the world grapples with complex issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic recovery, the BRICS bloc’s collaboration becomes even more crucial. Through joint efforts and collective action, these nations can amplify their impact and drive positive change on a global scale.The BRICS Summit in Johannesburg provides an opportune moment for member countries to reaffirm their dedication to a more equitable world order. By aligning their interests and building bridges of cooperation, BRICS nations can continue to shape international discourse and contribute significantly to the collective well-being of humanity.
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh , 21 July 2023
