The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation on Thursday applauded President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation for “successfully” representing the country at the sixteenth Brics Summit, in Russia.

Ramaphosa said Brics had a “vital” role to play in advancing change, as he advocated for global peace, calling for the right of Palestinian people to self-determination, while calling out the United Nations Security Council.

He said lasting peace and security would not be achieved until Palestinians realised their aspirations for statehood, justice and freedom.

This as Brics ally Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, in a conflict that has continued for over two years.

Criticism has been levelled at Ramaphosa for calling for peace in the Middle East while conflict continues in Ukraine, brought on by Russia.

Ramaphosa also reminded Brics leaders of the International Court of Justice’s stance that the international community had a duty to prevent genocide by Israel.

“The countries of the world have a responsibility not to fund or facilitate Israel’s genocidal actions. Lasting peace and security will not be achieved until Palestinians have realised their aspirations for statehood, justice and freedom,” he said.

Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said it was encouraging for world leaders to reiterate the importance of further enhancing Brics’s solidarity and cooperation based on the mutual interests and key priorities to strengthen the strategic partnership.

"They further committed to strengthening cooperation in the expanded Brics under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, cultural and people-to-people cooperation and to enhancing our strategic partnership for the benefit of our people through the promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth," he said.

Ramaphosa was supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau.