Ethiopia’s National BRICS Ministerial Steering Committee, which convened its session on October 3, 2024, disclosed that it has finalized Ethiopia’s BRICS Engagement Strategy, which has been reviewed over the past few months.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Strategy will provide overall guidance for Ethiopia’s engagement as part of the BRICS family.
The National Steering Committee reviewed Ethiopia’s participation in BRICS activities over the past ten months based on an assessment report submitted by the Senior Officials Technical Committee and the BRICS Secretariat.
The National Steering Committee was briefed about the outcomes of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, which took place from 10-11 June and 26 September 2024, preceded by the Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meetings.
The Committee discussed preparations for the XVI BRICS Summit scheduled to take place in Kazan, the Russian Federation, from 22-24 October 2024. The meeting identified contributions from stakeholders to finalize preparations for Ethiopia’s participation in the Summit.
Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, and the Governor of the National Bank, Mr. Mamo Mihretu, stated that the BRICS framework is an additional high-level platform to protect Ethiopia’s national interests. He explained that since becoming a member of BRICS, Ethiopia has actively participated in various activities to advance its national interests.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Sous Sherpa, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, also said Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS has elevated the country’s diplomacy.
Mamo noted that since joining BRICS, Ethiopia has been an active participant in various forums, which has significantly bolstered its diplomatic standing on the global stage. The committee members collectively recognized the importance of collaboration to ensure Ethiopia’s prominent role within the BRICS framework. They reached a consensus on the final form of Ethiopia’s participation strategy and outlined specific tasks for each member in preparation for the Leaders’ Conference set to take place in Kazan City, Russia, later this month.
Meanwhile, during the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in New York on September 26, 2024 on the margins of the UNGA79, the Ministers discussed major global and regional issues, as well as various United Nations agendas covering topics such as political, security, economic, financial, and sustainable development. They also exchanged views on cooperation within the BRICS framework.
Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, underscored that, countries of the Global South advocate for an equitable world order that safeguards the interests of developing nations. While commending the BRICS platform for facilitating enhanced collaboration to effectively tackle global challenges, he stressed the need to intensify calls for reform toward inclusive and responsive multilateralism.
Ambassador Taye emphasized that comprehensive reform of the United Nations and the global financial architecture is crucial. He outlined that the reform of global financial institutions should focus on finding better ways to finance development needs and enhancing the voices of developing countries. He also highlighted the importance of a reformed Security Council, giving special priority to Africa’s representation to make it more credible, legitimate, and capable of addressing global challenges.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers further exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place from October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Russian Federation. Brazil, which will assume the presidency of BRICS in 2025, also briefed the session on its plans and priorities for its chairmanship.
