President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has stated again that his country will not be pulled into global power dynamics.
Mr Ramaphosa’s broadcast message comes ahead of the Brics summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday, which will be attended by representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
“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.”
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will participate digitally after agreeing not to go with Mr Ramaphosa.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest order. If he enters the nation, South Africa is compelled by law to arrest him.
The Brics countries account for almost a fifth of the global economy, and interest in joining the organization has increased significantly this year.
