During the June 1-2 meeting in Cape Town of the BRICS grouping and the BRICS-Plus meeting that followed it, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian discussed at length the importance of the BRICS group internationally as a reflection of growing multilateralism, and he listed the contributions Iran could offer to the group should it be accepted as a member. Amir-Abdollahian, together with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Gabon attended the Cape Town gathering in person, while other Friends of BRICS guests attended virtually.
The Iranian foreign minister also had the opportunity to speak at length with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which they expressed satisfaction with the progress of their bilateral relations, including plans to open up embassies and consulates in each other’s nations as a result of the recent restoration of their diplomatic ties—accomplished with China’s help. Prince Faisal is scheduled to visit Tehran soon for further discussion on consolidating the relationship. The Saudis have also applied for membership in the BRICS and in the its New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai.
Regarding the role of the BRICS, PressTV reported the Iranian minister proclaiming that “the era of unilateralism is ending,” and coalitions like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which Iran is about to join, and the BRICS “can have a significant role in future partnerships.” The important role that the BRICS countries have played in addressing the shortcomings of the international system, he emphasized, “will be further strengthened with the accession of other regional and aligned heavyweights.”
