South Africa set to host BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Cape Town

New Delhi: On June 1, 2023, South Africa, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host the BRICS meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The gathering, taking place in Cape Town, aims to foster collaboration and strengthen ties among the BRICS nations.

As the Chair of the BRICS Ministerial Meeting, Minister Pandor has also extended invitations to fifteen Foreign Ministers from Africa and other countries in the global south to attend a "Friends of BRICS" meeting on June 2, 2023.

India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar (EAM), is participating in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting. His visit to South Africa, which will take place from June 1 to June 3, 2023, includes a bilateral meeting with his South African counterpart, Ms Naledi Pandor.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar will meet with the President of South Africa and hold bilateral discussions with other BRICS Foreign Ministers and participating Ministers from other countries.

During his visit, EAM Jaishankar will also engage with the Indian Diaspora in Cape Town, providing an opportunity to connect with the Indian community residing in South Africa.

The BRICS bloc consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. South Africa assumed the presidency of BRICS on January 1, 2023, succeeding China. This meeting presents an important platform for South Africa to showcase its leadership and engage in meaningful discussions with its BRICS counterparts.

Following his visit to South Africa, EAM Jaishankar will travel to Namibia from June 4 to June 6, 2023. This visit marks the first time an External Affairs Minister of India will be visiting the Republic of Namibia. EAM Jaishankar is expected to meet with the top leadership of Namibia, hold discussions with various government ministers, and co-chair the inaugural Session of the Joint Commission Meeting with the Namibian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Ms Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The visits to South Africa and Namibia by EAM Jaishankar aim to strengthen India's bilateral relations with these two countries, further enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding.