FameEX Hot Topics | BRICS Extends Summit Invitation to 69 Leaders, Excludes Western Nations

The BRICS economic bloc is gearing up for its largest summit yet, having extended invitations to 69 leaders, including all 54 African heads of state and leaders of major Global South bodies. The summit, hosted by South Africa from August 22 to 24, has drawn immense interest, with over 40 countries seeking to join BRICS and 22 having already submitted official applications. Western countries such as the U.S., U.K., and France have been excluded from the summit, while discussions will focus on deepening trading in local currencies to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. The forthcoming BRICS summit, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, has set a new record for its outreach, inviting leaders from 69 nations. This represents a significant increase compared to previous summits, signaling growing interest and trust in the BRICS bloc's initiatives. The five BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa, continue to gain traction as a powerful economic alliance, attracting attention from across the world.

Anil Sooklal, the South African diplomat responsible for BRICS relations, revealed the unprecedented scale of the summit's outreach. All 54 African heads of state have received invitations, underscoring the bloc's commitment to involving the African continent in its endeavors. Additionally, the leaders of major Global South bodies have been invited, further broadening the summit's scope and significance. President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to invite all African leaders is driven by BRICS' increasing involvement in Africa's development. As the host country, South Africa recognizes its role in fostering progress on the continent. The summit aims to advance the continental free trade agreement and strengthen economic ties within Africa and beyond. This gesture of inclusion and engagement with the Global South reinforces the bloc's commitment to addressing common challenges faced by emerging economies.

Despite the extensive outreach to the Global South, Western countries like the U.S., U.K., and France have not received invitations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed interest in attending the summit, but Russia opposed the idea. Nevertheless, the exclusion of Western nations does not imply isolation, as BRICS continues to engage with the global community to tackle shared concerns.

Sooklal highlighted the overwhelming interest from countries seeking to join the BRICS group, with more than 40 expressing their desire and 22 having already submitted formal applications. The bloc's appeal lies in its growing influence and potential to facilitate greater flexibility in international trade, particularly through reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. Discussions at the summit will explore the possibilities of deepening interactions in trading local currencies, which could enhance economic stability and independence for member nations. The BRICS summit promises to be a momentous event, with its largest-ever attendance and a diverse representation of leaders from around the world. The strategic collaborations and discussions during the summit will shape the future of global economics and pave the way for increased cooperation among emerging economies. As BRICS continues to expand its horizons, it stands as a testament to the evolving dynamics in the global economic landscape.

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