Inclusion of two new African nations, Egypt and Ethiopia, to BRICS indicates continent’s importance to the bloc and will create representativeness of two more Africa's sub-regions apart from the southern one, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s Minister in Presidency told Sputnik Africa.
"The inclusion of two more African countries in BRICS shows the importance of Africa into the nations of BRICS, into the partnerships of BRICS. And what's important is that those nations that have been included, it means Southern Africa as represented, Eastern Africa is represented and Northern Africa is represented," Ntshavheni said.
Ethiopia's and Egypt's BRICS membership will boost South Africa's position in terms of negotiating processes with other leaders, BRICS is glad to see other nations invited into the bloc, the minister stressed.
"And the strengthening of the African voice by the addition of Ethiopia and Egypt strengthens South Africa's voice and position as we negotiate with global leaders, and we are very happy to welcome them as much as we are happy to welcome the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE and the Republic of Argentine," she stated.
According to Ntshavheni, even before that inclusion, Africa's voice was always taken into account within the group of five.
"But even when South Africa was represented as the only member of BRICS, we made sure that Africa is always [...] the voice of Africa is not lost within the BRICS family," Ntshavheni noted. […] "Africa is an equal partner in the development of the world, but also in its own development."