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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas meeting Cape Town on 06 February 2018 that the priorities identified by South Africa will help guide BRICS as it enters its second decade of existence. South Africa took over as Chair of BRICS on 01 January 2018 and will host the 10th BRICS Summit in July 2018.

Addressing senior diplomats from all five BRICS countries in the first official meeting hosted by South Africa since taking over the role of Chair, the Minister said: “We believe that the identified priorities will lead to shared prosperity and inclusive growth and we are confident that your deliberations have charted a path towards the realisation of the BRICS developmental agenda in the second decade of BRICS cooperation”.

The hosting of the 10th BRICS Summit coincides with the centenary celebrations of democratic South Africa’s first President and international icon, Tata Nelson Mandela. President Mandela was a fierce supporter of the developmental agenda of the south, and it is significant that BRICS leaders will meet in South Africa in 2018. All the BRICS members individually and through other international forums such as NAM and the G77+China, played a major role in supporting the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

The Minister announced the launch of the official BRICS Summit website, www.BRICS2018.org.za. This digital portal will be the first point of contact for the latest information on the Summit for both domestic and international users. This will include, amongst others, information about BRICS, the member countries, the host country and province, logistics and side events.

South Africa became a member of the powerful bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India and China, in 2011. As the only African country in the bloc, South Africa also represents the voice of the continent. South Africa hosted the Summit for the first time in 2013.

The 2018 Summit will be an important milestone for BRICS cooperation, as it represents a decade of BRICS cooperation at the highest diplomatic level.  The Summit will culminate in the adoption of the "Johannesburg Declaration" which will include BRICS’ commitments for the year ahead.

Meetings which are scheduled to precede the Johannesburg Summit include the Second BRICS Sherpa meeting and a Meeting of the BRICS Special Envoys for Middle East and North Africa, both in April 2018; the BRICS Think Tank Council (BTTC) meeting in May 2018; and the meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations in June 2018.  

Latest information on #BRICS2018 can be accessed via the following media:

• Facebook:  DIRCOza
• Twitter:   @DIRCO_ZA
• Youtube:  thedircoza
• Flickr: DIRCO ZA
• Ubuntu Radio: www.ubunturadio.co.za or www.tunein.com/radio/Ubuntu-Radio-s208582/

Issued by The Department of International Relations and Cooperations