South Africa Asserts Neutrality Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts at BRICS Summit

The BRICS nations will discuss global matters in Johannesburg this week. Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will not take sides in global issues, stressing the country’s policy of non-alignment.

Hosting the summit has brought attention to South Africa’s relationships, notably with Russia, despite its decision not to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine publicly. Jacaranda FM reports that in a televised State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers.”

Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa had resisted external pressure to align with any specific global power or influential bloc of nations.

Also read: Xi Jinping to Attend BRICS Summit During State Visit to South Africa

Several key leaders will be present at the summit. They include:

• Russia – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (with President Vladimir Putin participating online)
• Brazil – President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,
• China – President Xi Jinping,
• India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 

Ramaphosa supports calls for the expansion of BRICS membership, as at least 40 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Cuba, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, expressed interest in joining the group. This expanding coalition would represent diverse nations seeking a more balanced global order.

While South Africa’s stance on neutrality amid global conflicts is unwavering, hosting the BRICS summit opens the door for vital conversations that could contribute to shaping the future of international diplomacy.

Also read:

Ramaphosa Defends BRICS Summit Participation as Global Complexity Rises

Picture: X / PresidencyZA

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