Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the benefits of Ethiopia’s inclusion in the BRICS alliance, emphasizing its role in fostering South-South cooperation. Addressing the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR), Ahmed reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s diplomatic strategies prioritize mutual benefits while safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was formed in 2010 by the addition of South Africa to its predecessor BRIC. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been invited to join the grouping of top emerging economies in January 2024
“In joining the BRICS mechanism, Ethiopia aims to bolster South-South cooperation,” Ahmed expressed during the parliamentary session, emphasizing the country’s significance within this framework. He emphasized the potential positive impact of Ethiopia’s BRICS membership on both the nation and other participating BRICS countries.
Ahmed extended appreciation to the five BRICS member nations for their support in facilitating Ethiopia’s inclusion. This move transpired following the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, where BRICS leaders collectively extended invitations to six countries, including Ethiopia, to join the alliance. The membership of these six countries is slated to commence on January 1, 2024.
“Our entry into the BRICS mechanism holds promise for Ethiopia,” Ahmed conveyed optimistically to the Ethiopian parliament. He underscored that Ethiopia’s participation aligns with its foreign policy objectives, emphasizing that the nation’s intention in joining BRICS isn’t to favour or antagonize any entity.
