President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the country tonight

This evening, 20 August 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the country about South Africa’s foreign policy and the approaching BRICS Summit.

What time will Cyril Ramaphosa address the country?

Ramaphosa is expected to address the country at 8pm.

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From August 22–24, Johannesburg will host the 15th Heads of State and Government Summit of the BRICS group of major rising economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Xi Jinping of China, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Narendra Modi of India are anticipated to attend.

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Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, who is wanted internationally for allegedly committing war crimes in Ukraine, will participate through video rather than in person.

What is on the agenda:

With China predicted to surpass the United governments as the world’s largest economy as early as 2035, the BRICS countries account for over 40% of the world’s population and an estimated 30% of its GDP. Many sovereign governments are keen to position themselves for a de-dollarized future.

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But in order to accept new members, the current BRICS members must first put aside their conflicting viewpoints and agree on a structure and set of standards. One expected result of the BRICS conference is this.

Trade and skill development will probably also be on the agenda, and South Africa wants to work with other countries on producing vaccines and green hydrogen.

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Russia wants China to assist in bridging the manufacturing gap left by international sanctions in microelectronics.

Aside from increasing healthcare, security, and peacekeeping tactics, discussions on social issues are also planned.

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