Briefing to broadcasters on BRICS Summit logistics

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will brief broadcasters on Thursday, 20 July 2023, regarding logistical arrangements for the BRICS Summit.

 

The Summit will take place on 22-24 August 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

 

The briefing is aimed at preparing broadcasters for the media pool feed planned for the Summit.

 

The briefing will take place as follows:

 

Date: 20 July 2023
Venue: Southern Sun, Rosebank
Time: 12h30

 

RSVP: MtshaliP@dirco.gov.za

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

 

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria

0084

South Africa finalises XV BRICS Summit format

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the historic XV Summit of BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It will be the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in person since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global restrictions.

 

President Ramaphosa has in recent months and weeks held a number of consultations on the hosting of the Summit. The President’s most recent consultation in this regard took place last night, Tuesday, 18 July 2023, at the BRICS Political Party Dialogue in Gauteng.

 

The Summit will be attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa.

 

By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the Summit, but the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister, Mr Sergey Lavrov.

 

In due course, a comprehensive statement on the substantive issues to be covered at the Summit and other related foreign policy matters will be issued.

 

President Ramaphosa is confident that the Summit will be a success and calls on the nation to extend the necessary hospitality to the many delegates who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the globe.

 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – +27 82 835 6315

 

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

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Media accreditation for the XV BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africa will host the XV BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 22 to 24 August 2023.


The Summit will take place under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.


Only bona fide media practitioners may apply for media accreditation. Collection of accreditation cards will be subject to the presentation of a valid ID/Passport and a press card or letter of assignment from the editor.

Journalists using passports as identification should note that passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the expected date of arrival in South Africa. At least two pages must be unused when the passport is presented for endorsement.


All fields in the media accreditation form must be filled. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. The accreditation form is available here: https://mrs.gcis.gov.za/.


The deadline for media accreditation is 11 August 2023. The deadline will not be extended, and late applications will not be accepted.


Media accreditation cards will be collected from the Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel in Sandton on a date to be confirmed. Once issued, the accreditation cards will not be transferable.


For more information, please visit the official 15th BRICS Summit website, https://www.brics2023.gov.za.


Enquiries on the media accreditation process:


Nelson Kgwete: +27 76 431 3078, KgweteN@dirco.gov.za

Kgopotso Rapakuana: +27 73 058 3876, RapakuanaK@dirco.gov.za


ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION


OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

SA to unite the African voice for the development of common Agri-Parks

The BRICS Business Council (BBC) has unpacked the key priorities of its Agribusiness Working Group (AWG), as well as the opportunities that lie through the activation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both for Intra-Africa and BRICS-Africa trade prospects.

 

As Agriculture remains essential in boosting economic growth, inclusion, and job creation within BRICS countries, the AWG further accelerates this sector’s growth, benefiting each member country’s insights and services. Speaking in a panel discussion at the 8TH FARA Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) which concluded on Thursday 8 June in Durban, the Chair of the South African Chapter of the BBC, Busi Mabuza urged African markets to speak in a united voice in establishing partnerships with BRIC nations towards the development of common Africa Agri-Parks.

 

“With the enablement of the AfCFTA, and FARA, Africa is able to unlock opportunities through an integrated approach, where we are able to include not only intra-Africa trade but also foster BRIC – Africa commercial relationships,” said Mabuza. The event, which saw academia, policymakers and agribusiness leaders, seeks to sensitize industry players on the agro-industrial parks as an effective tool in the long-term economic structural transformation of the continent within the context of the AfCFTA.

 

 South Africa together with its global counterparts of the BBC, have chartered a programme that, with the imminent BRICS Summit in August, will allow the continent to find ways to unlock best practices on agricultural sustainable development as well as ways to improve fertilizer availability which are critical to the industry. These are two of the five priorities highlighted by Mabuza.

 

The other three priorities include:

 

  • Knowledge sharing on Agri-technology’, where the expertise of China and Brazil will be particularly useful. India also announced a R2billion investment towards its Agro-Parks in 2022, which provides the opportunity for Africa to learn mechanisms to attract similar financial injections, particularly concessional finance.

  • Trade and Investment is a pivotal area as there remains a significant need for intra-BRICS trade, notwithstanding all the agricultural successes within BRICS markets. The AWG creates opportunities for business facilitation, sharing of information about export opportunities in each country and businessto-government communication to avert trade-related challenges.

  • Agricultural finance focuses on the drive towards smart-climate-agriculture and the adoption of new farming methods (like the European Union’s Green Deal) will require innovative ways of financing. Knowledge sharing from experts within the BRICS formation will be key. South Africa as a global Chair, will share its experience through the programmes of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa as well as the National Department of Agriculture.

 

Adding to this, Mabuza cited that “access to information, opportunities, capacity, skills development and markets, are some of the critical elements that should accompany finance which we intend to incorporate into our approach, as advised by business partners in the industry.

 

“BRICS now constitutes nearly a third of global GDP and boasts four of the top ten largest Agri-produce exporters in the world, which also develop superior Agri-technology and two of them being the fastest growing economies in the world, presents monumental opportunities for Africa’s commercial growth to be leveraged.”

 

For all BRICS programme enquiries and media interview requests, contact:

 

Zikona Captain at: zikona@sabricsbusinesscouncil.co.za or Whatsapp @ +27717506866

 

ISSUED BY BRICS BUSINESS COUNCIL, ZIKONA CAPTAIN

SA to unite the African voice for the development of common Agri-Parks

Johannesburg, 12 June, Press release; The BRICS Business Council (BBC) has unpacked the key priorities of its Agribusiness Working Group (AWG), as well as the opportunities that lie through the activation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both for Intra-Africa and BRICS-Africa trade prospects. 

 

As Agriculture remains essential in boosting economic growth, inclusion, and job creation within BRICS countries, the AWG further accelerates this sector’s growth, benefiting each member country’s insights and services. Speaking in a panel discussion at the 8TH FARA Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) which concluded on Thursday 8 June in Durban, the Chair of the South African Chapter of the BBC, Busi Mabuza urged African markets to speak in a united voice in establishing partnerships with BRIC nations towards the development of common Africa Agri-Parks. 

 

“With the enablement of the AfCFTA, and FARA, Africa is able to unlock opportunities through an integrated approach, where we are able to include not only intra-Africa trade but also foster BRIC – Africa commercial relationships,” said Mabuza. The event, which saw academia, policymakers and agribusiness leaders, seeks to sensitize industry players on the agro-industrial parks as an effective tool in the long-term economic structural transformation of the continent within the context of the AfCFTA.

 

 South Africa together with its global counterparts of the BBC, have chartered a programme that, with the imminent BRICS Summit in August, will allow the continent to find ways to unlock best practices on agricultural sustainable development as well as ways to improve fertilizer availability which are critical to the industry. These are two of the five priorities highlighted by Mabuza. 

 

The other three priorities include: 

 

  • Knowledge sharing on Agri-technology’, where the expertise of China and Brazil will be particularly useful. India also announced a R2billion investment towards its Agro-Parks in 2022, which provides the opportunity for Africa to learn mechanisms to attract similar financial injections, particularly concessional finance. 

  • Trade and Investment is a pivotal area as there remains a significant need for intra-BRICS trade, notwithstanding all the agricultural successes within BRICS markets. The AWG creates opportunities for business facilitation, sharing of information about export opportunities in each country and businessto-government communication to avert trade-related challenges. 

  • Agricultural finance focuses on the drive towards smart-climate-agriculture and the adoption of new farming methods (like the European Union’s Green Deal) will require innovative ways of financing. Knowledge sharing from experts within the BRICS formation will be key. South Africa as a global Chair, will share its experience through the programmes of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa as well as the National Department of Agriculture.

Adding to this, Mabuza cited that “access to information, opportunities, capacity, skills development and markets, are some of the critical elements that should accompany finance which we intend to incorporate into our approach, as advised by business partners in the industry.

 

”BRICS now constitutes nearly a third of global GDP and boasts four of the top ten largest Agri-produce exporters in the world, which also develop superior Agri-technology and two of them being the fastest growing economies in the world, presents monumental opportunities for Africa’s commercial growth to be leveraged. 

 

For all BRICS programme enquiries and media interview requests, contact: 

 

Zikona Captain at: zikona@sabricsbusinesscouncil.co.za or Whatsapp @ +27717506866

Welcome Remarks and Statement by HE Dr GNM Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa, at the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cape Town, 2 June 2023

Your Excellency, Ministers of Foreign Affairs,
BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas,
Ambassadors, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I have the honour to welcome you to Cape Town, South Africa, for our meeting as BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers.

 

South Africa chairs BRICS this year under the theme “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” Our vision is for BRICS to provide global leadership in a world fractured by competition, geopolitical tension, inequality, and deteriorating global security.

 

This is the third time we chair BRICS since South Africa was invited to join in 2010. That was a time of optimism. Countries were considering problems bigger than themselves. We were united in horror at the global ravages of war, shocked by the impact of climate change, disturbed by the continued presence of global poverty and underdevelopment.

 

In 2015, we joined together to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The opening lines of the preamble remind us:

 

This Agenda is a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom.

 

We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

 

All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan.

 

We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet.

 

We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path.

 

As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.

 

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

 

It is clear that today, we no longer share an understanding of the greatest global challenge. This is despite the reality that the COVID-19 pandemic set back our efforts to achieve Sustainable Developments Goals by almost a decade.

 

There is increased economic risk for the most vulnerable with low growth levels in much of the globe, and neglect of those in the greatest need. Food inflation and high energy prices have strained incomes and resulted in high debt costs and persistent uncertainty. And the attention and resources of our Western partners have been diverted and the agendas of our multilateral organisation no longer respond to the needs and demands of the global South.

 

The world has faltered in cooperation. Developed countries have never met their commitments to the developing world and are trying to shift all responsibility to the global South.

 

The poor and marginalized are facing the greatest threat in that their plight is forgotten while the so-called great powers fight. This is not the world we hoped for when the Cold War ended. This is not the world we promised our people in the 2030 Agenda.

 

South Africa desires a return to peace, multilateralism, and partnerships for development.

 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that: “we think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do it well it spreads out, it is for the whole of humanity”. This is the essence of Ubuntu, a humanist African philosophy that underlies South Africa’s diplomacy as well the BRICS principles of mutually beneficial South – South cooperation.

 

The countries in this room today, and those joining virtually, represent a significant majority of the world’s territory, population and economy. We bring together continents, cultures, societies and civilisations.

 

Our first speaker as the Friends of BRICS is the Foreign Minister of the Comoros, a small island developing state carrying the voice of 55 African states, 1.4 billion Africans, part of a $3 trillion dollar continental economy. With their exclusive economic zones, the over 50 SIDS members bring together the second largest territory in the world after our Russian friends.

 

We in this room must decide on our plan of action. We are led by the 2030 Agenda. A regional conflict has not replaced eradicating global poverty as the world’s greatest global challenge. How do we bring the world’s attention and resources back to this fact?

 

The 2030 Agenda speaks of the need to transform and not just reform. One of the founding principles of BRICS has been our shared vision of the urgent need for global governance reform towards a more fair, just, equitable and representative world. 15 years later, it is clear that there is little appetite for reform from those in power. How do we transform our multilateral institutions so that they respond to our needs?

 

The 2030 Agenda speaks of collaborative partnership. How can BRICS and Africa –BRICS and the global South- move forward together with a common voice and collective action? How do we ensure that no one is left behind?

 

These are the questions I hope we can answer today.

 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

This meeting is one where BRICS seeks cooperation and collaboration with you. We stand to learn from you how we can work in partnership towards delivering mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism.

 

I thank you.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

 

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

Live streaming of the meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations

The Meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, taking place today and tomorrow (1–2 June 2023). will be streamed live on the BRICSza Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

The opening session starts at 15h00 today, followed by a press conference at approximately 18h20. Both sessions will be streamed live on the above-mentioned platforms.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

 

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084

Collection of Media Accreditation for the BRICS Ministers’ Meeting

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) wishes to advise the media that they may collect accreditation cards at 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town, for the meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations between 09h00–17h00 on 31 May 2023.

 

The accreditation cards will be issued subject to the production of a valid ID/passport and a press card.

 

For broadcasters, please note that there is no parking for OB vans at the venue. It is recommended that a wireless live feed be used.

 

The media programme is as follows:

 

Thursday, 1 June 2023

 

14h00 – Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations (media to cover opening remarks)

17h20 – Joint Press Conference

 

Friday, 2 June 2023

 

10h00 – Meeting of Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers (media to cover opening remarks)

 

Enquiries: Nelson Kgwete, +27 76 431 3078

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

 

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria

0084

BRICS Conferences Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges

On 29 May 2023, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a notice in the government gazette on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges for the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Cape Town and BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg in August.

 

This is a standard conferment of immunities that we do for all international conferences and summits held in South Africa irrespective of the level of participation. The immunities are for the conference and not for specific individuals. They are meant to protect the conference and its attendees from the jurisdiction of the host country for the duration of the conference.

 

These immunities do not override any warrant that may have been issued by any international tribunal against any attendee of the conference.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

 

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084