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Ramaphosa tells BRICS: Don’t fund Israel’s genocide

Ramaphosa tells Brics: Don’t fund Israel’s genocide! In his address at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined leaders from across the globe in a forum that focused on challenging Western influence and supporting multipolar global governance.

Amidst these talks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took a strong stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for the international community to resist funding or facilitating Israel’s alleged “genocidal actions” in Palestine.

Ramaphosa Calls for Solidarity with Palestinians

President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s alignment with the Palestinian cause, comparing the plight of Palestinians to South Africa’s own struggle for freedom and self-determination. “As the world bears witness to the continued plight of the Palestinian people, South Africa is compelled to emulate that spirit of solidarity,” he said.

Ramaphosa also underscored the International Court of Justice’s stance, which he interprets as a duty for the international community to prevent actions by Israel that could lead to what he described as genocide. His remarks highlight South Africa’s commitment to human rights and support for global advocacy regarding the rights of Palestinians.

Ramaphosa tells BRICS: Don’t fund Israel’s genocide

Russia Champions a “Multipolar World Order”

Russian President Vladimir Putin took the opportunity to advance a vision of a “multipolar world order,” a recurring theme among BRICS members who seek alternatives to Western-dominated institutions like the G7. Putin argued that recent events, such as the war in Ukraine and the West’s sanctions on Russia, underscore the need for alternative global alliances and financial systems that challenge the dominance of the U.S. and Europe. “The process of forming a multipolar world order is underway, a dynamic and irreversible process,” Putin stated, emphasizing BRICS’ role in shaping this emerging system.

The summit, held in Kazan, is the largest diplomatic event Russia has hosted since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin’s platform included expanding BRICS influence and authority in international affairs and developing an international payment system led by BRICS to reduce dependence on Western financial networks. Leaders from approximately 20 countries attended, including China, India, Iran, and representatives from emerging economies across Latin America and Africa.

China and Russia: A Foundation for Stability

During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the “profound” partnership between China and Russia, which he characterized as a “stabilizing” factor in an increasingly “chaotic” world. He underscored that the partnership between China and Russia “injected strong impetus” into their respective nations’ development and modernization. Xi’s comments illustrate China’s support for Russia’s regional ambitions and the role both nations play in establishing an alternative international framework.

President Putin reciprocated Xi’s sentiments, describing the alliance between China and Russia as crucial for global stability. This mutual praise reflects an understanding between the two countries on many diplomatic and economic issues, aligning them as a formidable bloc against Western hegemony.

Summit Atmosphere Reflects Cultural Diplomacy Amid Heightened Security

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has previously seen Kazan’s Tatarstan region targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia made significant efforts to maintain a welcoming atmosphere at the summit. Security was notably heightened, and the region was fortified to protect against potential threats. Delegates were greeted with cultural symbols, including women dressed in traditional Tatar costumes and offerings of local pastries made from flour and honey, showcasing Russia’s dedication to hospitality even amidst geopolitical tensions.

BRICS Expands Influence and Membership

The BRICS organization, initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has expanded to include countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Iran. This expanded membership demonstrates BRICS’ objective to become a coalition of emerging economies that rival Western influence. During the summit, Putin held individual meetings with prominent leaders such as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, both of whom represent anti-Western sentiments and align closely with Moscow’s vision of a multipolar world.

Notably, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, representing Türkiye, also attended the summit. Türkiye, a NATO member, has consistently attempted to serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan’s presence at the summit demonstrates Türkiye’s balancing act between NATO obligations and its interest in maintaining cooperative relations with Russia.

United Nations Secretary-General’s Presence Draws Criticism

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the summit, marking his first visit to Russia in over two years. This drew criticism from Ukraine, given the timing and Russia’s efforts to present itself as a stabilizing power. Guterres’ presence suggests that, despite Western isolation efforts, Russia remains a central player in global diplomacy, particularly among non-Western nations.

Conclusion: A Summit Reflecting Geopolitical Shifts

The BRICS summit in Kazan reflects a significant shift in global power dynamics, emphasizing the emergence of multipolar governance and cooperation among countries that often find themselves sidelined by Western institutions. President Ramaphosa’s call for solidarity with Palestinians and condemnation of Israel’s actions further illustrates how BRICS is willing to challenge Western perspectives on complex global issues.

Meanwhile, Putin’s emphasis on a new world order and the support of leaders like Xi and Erdogan highlight a collective move towards redefining international norms. As the BRICS coalition continues to expand, the summit serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving global landscape, where non-Western nations are increasingly asserting their influence and unity against what they perceive as Western dominance.

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