The BRICS Summit for emerging economies is continuing for the second day in Johannesburg, with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa participating.
Image Source: Reuters
In his opening speech at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg,
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said:
- We aim to enhance the use of local currencies among BRICS countries.
- We are working to safeguard the interests of southern nations and call on major powers to do the same.
- We seek to strengthen cooperation between BRICS countries and the African continent.
- We are concerned about the use of global financial institutions as tools of political conflict.
- BRICS aims to provide equal economic opportunities.
- We strive for the prosperity of the people in BRICS member states.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also mentioned:
- The BRICS group has become stronger, but faces very complex scenarios.
- BRICS countries represent 41% of the global population and over 30% of the global GDP.
- The Ukrainian war has shown the limitations of the United Nations Security Council.
- Many international organizations have limited influence.
- What is happening in Ukraine has global implications.
- The pursuit of peace is a shared commitment; BRICS should work as a force to achieve it and cooperate among ourselves.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated via video:
- The BRICS group has proven its credibility to the international community.
- BRICS supports a multipolar world that respects international law.
- We reject some countries’ efforts to enhance their dominance and restore their colonial policies.
- We seek to establish a new global system that respects international law.
- We strive to stop the war launched by the West against the people of Donbass.
- Anyone who opposed the previous coup in Ukraine became a target of war.
- We aim to exclude the dollar from trade transactions between BRICS countries and replace it with local currencies.
After Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:
We have been working on creating economic safety nets through various initiatives.
We are working as much as possible to bring about positive change in the lives of citizens of BRICS countries.
Cooperation between BRICS countries in the fields of education, technology, and space should be strengthened.
India supports the expansion of the BRICS group.
We have proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the BRICS group to enhance the presence of southern countries.
We must prepare all our communities for the future.
Finally, Chinese President Xi Jinping said:
The world is facing major changes and great challenges.
BRICS countries will strengthen through cooperation and solidarity.
We must provide the world with more certainty, stability, and positive energy.
Economic recovery is still fragile.
Military cooperation between BRICS countries should be enhanced in the current mentality of the Cold War.
BRICS countries should assist developing countries in facing challenges.
We seek to increase trade and cooperation between BRICS countries in various fields.
Our partnership can benefit us all.
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