Cape Town – Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s diplomatic skills during the Brics summit held in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa, who chaired the summit, played a key role in discussions, including talks about adding new member states to the Brics group.
Around 20 countries had expressed interest in joining.
“I would like to thank our South African friends for the efforts they have made during our joint work.
“I would like to note, as it turned out this was challenging work and President Ramaphosa showed unique diplomatic mastery as we negotiated all the positions including when it comes to Brics expansion,” said Putin in his closing remarks on Thursday.
Vladimir Putin speaks about BRICS expansion at briefing pic.twitter.com/16VFcQw7CZ
— Rev Laskaris (@REVMAXXING) August 24, 2023
The summit also explored the possibility of moving away from the US dollar as the main trading currency, potentially introducing a multiple currency trade or a Brics currency.
While no decision on de-dollarization was made, the Brics countries agreed to admit six new permanent members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
“We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from the first of January 2024,” Ramaphosa told the summit.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Twitter/@PresidencySA
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