President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has reaffirmed that his nation will not be pulled into international power dynamics.
Prior to Tuesday’s gathering of the Brics countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — in Johannesburg, Mr. Ramaphosa gave a broadcast speech.
“We will not be drawn into a contest between global powers. Instead, our country strives to work with all countries for global peace and development,” he said.
He noted, however, that this “does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest”.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, will take part virtually after agreeing with Mr. Ramaphosa not to go.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an arrest order for him has been issued by the International Criminal Court. If he enters the nation, South Africa must detain him in accordance with the legislation there.
A fifth of the world economy is made up of the Brics nations, and this year has seen a significant increase in interest in joining the organization.