Brics summit: Let’s welcome them – President Cyril Ramaphosa

“As the week begins tomorrow, the streets of our country will be hubs of activity as visitors from various countries will be our guests.”

These are the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa as he addressed the nation tonight.

The president urged South Africans to ‘welcome them and give them the warmth and hospitality that we are known for’.

An influx of visitors are expected as a result of the 15th annual Brics Summit that will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre from Tuesday. It will conclude on Thursday.

As the week begins tomorrow, the streets of our country will be hubs of activity as visitors from various countries will be our guests.

Let us welcome them and give them the warmth and hospitality that we are known for.

A number of them may choose to stay for a few days… pic.twitter.com/XAlrBSmYK7

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 20, 2023

What is the summit?

Sandton Chronicle reported that the Brics summit is an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or government of the five member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. All leaders will be present except President Vladimir Putin who will participate in the discussion virtually.

“A number of them may choose to stay for a few days beyond the summit to visit the various beautiful parts of our country. I call on all of us to show them the very best of South African Ubuntu,” the president urged.

Tonight’s address was also used to speak about South Africa’s foreign policy.

Foreigners

“South Africa’s approach to foreign relations is to seek increased collaboration, to secure greater trade opportunities and increased investment, and to work closely with partners across the globe to entrench peace and democracy,” Ramaphosa explained.

He added that the country will ‘continue to mobilise all our moral, political and economic strength on the side of peace and development for all of humanity’.

“We will continue our efforts to give effect to the call of the Freedom Charter that: There shall be peace and friendship,” he added.

South Africa’s approach to foreign relations is to seek increased collaboration, to secure greater trade opportunities and increased investment, and to work closely with partners across the globe to entrench peace and democracy.

As we continue to define our place in the world,…

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 20, 2023

Watch the address: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation