Rio de Janeiro: President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Brazil to participate in the XVII BRICS Summit, an event that brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit, taking place from July 6 to 7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, is hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
According to African Press Organization, the BRICS Summit is a key political and diplomatic coordination forum aimed at fostering cooperation among countries from the Global South. The theme for this year's summit is "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," reflecting the group's focus on enhancing resilience, growth, and development through diversified trade.
The summit's agenda includes discussions on aligning BRICS efforts with outcomes from the COP30 and G20, particularly in areas such as global governance of artificial intelligence and climate finance. BRICS leaders are committed to advocating for reforms in global governance systems to make them more inclusive and representative of current global dynamics, including increased participation of the global South in decision-making processes.
South Africa's engagement in BRICS aims to boost its growth and development, strengthen intra-BRICS relations, and foster cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres. The country seeks to promote concrete cooperation that supports the objectives of a better South Africa and a better world through its BRICS partnership.
During the summit, leaders will deliberate on topics such as global governance reform, peace and security, and the future of artificial intelligence governance. Discussions will culminate in the adoption of a BRICS Leaders Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of a partnership aimed at eliminating socially determined diseases. The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.
In addition to the core BRICS members, the summit will also see participation from leaders of partner and outreach countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and several Latin American countries invited by Brazil.
President Vladimir Putin will participate virtually, while China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang. President Ramaphosa's delegation includes key South African ministers and deputy ministers, underscoring the significance of the summit for South Africa's international relations and economic strategies.