South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his address to the extraordinary summit, noted that the world is shifting from the old dying world order, to a new order which the BRICS nations are ushering into being.
“We are witnessing seismic shifts in global trade that present both challenges and opportunities in the re-ordering of the global economy. There is a shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world.”
The Trump tariffs have hurt South Africa, Ramaphosa said, “The uncertainty of the new trading regime has already negatively affected employment levels in my own country South Africa and is an obstacle to our economic growth.”
However, as a result, “Our focus is on strengthening and collaboratively diversifying our trade and investment partnerships with Africa, Asia, the Gulf, the Americas and Europe. South Africa’s response is rooted in the promise of an African continent on the rise, a continent that is rich in talent, innovation, in resources and untapped potential. Our vision is of Africa that is the beating heart of global trade, engaging the world not as a mere exporter of raw materials, but as a creator of value, a connector of regions and a catalyst for shared prosperity.” He added, “We must use our institutions to drive development across Africa and the Global South.”
He noted the genocide in Gaza, That is why South Africa supports the call by Brazil for a ceasefire in Gaza, a two-state solution and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
India Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar represented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting. He stated that, “the state of the world today .…is a cause for genuine concern. The last few years have witnessed the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East/West Asia, volatility in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events,” etc. The world should be made more stable and resilient. “It is …essential,” Jaishankar said, “that we democratize manufacturing and production and encourage their growth in different geographies. Progress in that regard will contribute to regional self-sufficiency and relieve anxieties at times of uncertainty.”
