Ramaphosa urges global peace, deeper economic ties at BRICS summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for an end to the conflicts in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
He used South Africa's statement at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, to express his concern about the growing violence in the Middle East.
He called on the United Nations Security Council to take action.
“South Africa is concerned about the military aggression by Israel against the people of Gaza, which we have characterised as genocide,” said Ramaphosa.
“This genocide led South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice with a view to stopping the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza. We believe the world cannot sit by and watch the suffering.”
Ramaphosa warned that further escalation could have devastating global consequences.
He further reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a two-state solution.
“This would be in line with UN resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters. We call on the international community and the UN Security Council in particular to address the spiralling conflict,” he said.
Beyond the Middle East, Ramaphosa also highlighted other conflicts, including in Sudan, the Sahel, and the Great Lakes region of Africa.
He stressed the need for lasting solutions through negotiation and dialogue.
“The world seems to have forgotten about Sudan, and protracted conflicts in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions persist. We must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue,” he added.
In his address, Ramaphosa also praised BRICS initiatives to improve regional connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, which aims to open new trade routes between St. Petersburg and Mumbai
“We welcome the Russian initiatives aimed at strengthening BRICS countries through improved transport networks and connectivity,” he said.
“This corridor is an opportunity to unlock new trade flows in an increasingly multipolar world.”
Ramaphosa linked these developments to Africa’s progress, referencing the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market as key to unlocking trade and investment opportunities on the continent.
He urged BRICS nations to continue fostering financial and economic cooperation, particularly with the Global South.
“The BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are vital for building strong ties among countries in the Global South and emerging markets,” said Ramaphosa.
“We should use these platforms to foster social, economic, and cultural development for our peoples.”
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