The decision was highlighted by government authorities and local media, which also included Egypt, Argentina, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who participated last Thursday in the networking event and the BRICS Plus dialogue, through his account on the social network X, revealed that the support of the group was a great moment for the country. “Ethiopia is ready to cooperate with everyone for an inclusive and prosperous world order,” he added.
But far from cooperation, according to Ahmed, this membership effective from January 1, 2024 confirms the African country’s commitment to pluralism.
“Reforming pluralism means inclusion, collaboration, and diversity of voices and interests. By amplifying voices from across the world, we can work collaboratively for a just and peaceful world.”
He considered that collectivism is necessary to solve global challenges and the BRICS group could be a major initiative that responds to the repeated calls for a new pluralism if it follows the path of inclusiveness.
He pointed out that Ethiopia’s geographical location favors communication with the rest of the region, trade and global economic integration, as well as national efforts to build developmental infrastructure, clean energy and communications as evidence of its potential as a hub for African countries.
He described the BRICS group as one of the largest emerging blocs in the world in terms of population, economy and steadily increasing influence, which many countries seek to join.
Regarding the economic characteristics of the new members, especially with its considerably high GDP, he emphasized that in the case of Ethiopia, it was chosen because of its development prospects and as a future African power.
South-South Cooperation
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized in his talks with the leaders of these countries that Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS would enhance South-South cooperation, who recognized that it was critical to Africa’s diplomatic influence on the international stage.
According to Ahmed, joining the economic bloc can be considered one of the greatest diplomatic victories the country has achieved in recent decades.
In the same analysis, the Government Communication Service confirmed that this decision indicates diplomatic success and perseverance.
Membership will bring many economic benefits. The authority said in a statement that in addition to increasing its influence at the international level, it opens the door for various infrastructure projects to receive financing through the development bank of the economic bloc.
He stressed that this financial institution is an alternative to the existing international institutions. “This is a very important issue in terms of alleviating the foreign exchange shortage in a sustainable way.”
The publication stressed that given that the prospects for trade, cultural and political relations between BRICS member states have reached an advanced level, Addis Ababa’s acceptance will increase its diplomatic influence.
With regard to investment, the cooperation of member states will be a source of additional economic growth for Ethiopia because it will have its own role in protecting national interests in the Horn of Africa.
RO/NMR
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