#Opinion
The Significance of Country X Joining BRICS
โ๏ธ Article by Dr Iqbal Survรจ, Past Chairman of the BRICS Business Council and Co-Chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN & Banthati Sekwala, Associate, BRICS+ Consultant Group
๐ As the world shifts towards a multipolar reality, BRICS has emerged as a crucial platform for nations seeking to shape their own futures and redefine the global order.
Composed of some of the most powerful and dynamic emerging economies, BRICS stands as a beacon of inclusivity, cooperation, and fairness in an increasingly fractured world. The addition of new members to this prestigious group is not merely a formality - it represents a transformative moment in the evolution of global governance.
๐ Read in full
#brics #brics2024 #bricssummit
The Significance of Country X Joining BRICS
โ๏ธ Article by Dr Iqbal Survรจ, Past Chairman of the BRICS Business Council and Co-Chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN & Banthati Sekwala, Associate, BRICS+ Consultant Group
๐ As the world shifts towards a multipolar reality, BRICS has emerged as a crucial platform for nations seeking to shape their own futures and redefine the global order.
Composed of some of the most powerful and dynamic emerging economies, BRICS stands as a beacon of inclusivity, cooperation, and fairness in an increasingly fractured world. The addition of new members to this prestigious group is not merely a formality - it represents a transformative moment in the evolution of global governance.
๐ Read in full
#brics #brics2024 #bricssummit
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
โ๏ธ #Opinion of US Prof. John Mearsheimer on the XVI #BRICS Summit in an interview with the โJudging Freedomโ channel:
Not only did the sanctions not work against Putin, our attempt to isolate him internationally, and turn him into a pariah has categorically failed.
Is there a better example of this failure than the BRICS conference? I mean thereโre just all sorts of countries there, including India which is a democracy that the United States cares greatly about, that is breaking bread with the Russians. So I think what's going on is more evidence that Putin is in the driver's seat, he beats sanctions, he's winning on the battlefield, he's not a pariah, and BRICS is an impressive institution that shows lots of evidence that it's going to grow more impressive with the passage of time. This is bad news for the United States and good news for Putin.
#TheyAboutUs
Not only did the sanctions not work against Putin, our attempt to isolate him internationally, and turn him into a pariah has categorically failed.
Is there a better example of this failure than the BRICS conference? I mean thereโre just all sorts of countries there, including India which is a democracy that the United States cares greatly about, that is breaking bread with the Russians. So I think what's going on is more evidence that Putin is in the driver's seat, he beats sanctions, he's winning on the battlefield, he's not a pariah, and BRICS is an impressive institution that shows lots of evidence that it's going to grow more impressive with the passage of time. This is bad news for the United States and good news for Putin.
#TheyAboutUs
Forwarded from Russian MFA ๐ท๐บ
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#Opinion
Excerpts from Professor Jeffrey Sachs's speech at Cambridge University
๐Cambridge University, October 22, 2024
๐ฌ We are not in any intrinsic war between the US and Russia. And Russia, by the way, despite every single thing that said every single day TRULY does not want more land. It's already 11 time zones. The last thing that they need or want is more land.
The war is about completely different things than everything you and I read about in our [Western] newspapers every day, because our newspapers are telling us stories that ultimately come back to narratives conceived in the US Defense Department and the CIA, and that are completely bogus.
***
The United States? We've never been at peace. All we do is war. And you know what the truth is? We learned it from here (the UK).
Because the British Empire was the most militarized society imaginable.
And unfortunately, the leaders of this country [the UK], and it turns out not to matter which party, because Starmer is as bad as Boris Johnson, all they know is military. It's unbelievable.
What's the first thing that Starmer does when he becomes prime minister? He goes to Kiev to pledge the endless support of the US, by the way, because Britain doesn't do anything. The endless support of the United States to the defeat of Russia. And then he flies across the Atlantic to try to convince Biden to authorize, and authorize means is for the US military to enable deep strikes inside Russia.
That's really a clever (NOT!) thing to do, especially because Putin said, well, then we'd be at war with each other and we'd be forced to reconsider our nuclear strategy. <...> He's not bluffing if Russia is fundamentally threatened.
***
๐ We [the US] provoked the war in Ukraine. We provoked the war in Ukraine, absolutely surely. And we'll do the same with Taiwan and we'll lose any war that happens, but maybe the world will end also over this stupidity and the people in Washington are stupid, I'm telling you. I know them.
Excerpts from Professor Jeffrey Sachs's speech at Cambridge University
๐Cambridge University, October 22, 2024
๐ฌ We are not in any intrinsic war between the US and Russia. And Russia, by the way, despite every single thing that said every single day TRULY does not want more land. It's already 11 time zones. The last thing that they need or want is more land.
The war is about completely different things than everything you and I read about in our [Western] newspapers every day, because our newspapers are telling us stories that ultimately come back to narratives conceived in the US Defense Department and the CIA, and that are completely bogus.
***
The United States? We've never been at peace. All we do is war. And you know what the truth is? We learned it from here (the UK).
Because the British Empire was the most militarized society imaginable.
And unfortunately, the leaders of this country [the UK], and it turns out not to matter which party, because Starmer is as bad as Boris Johnson, all they know is military. It's unbelievable.
What's the first thing that Starmer does when he becomes prime minister? He goes to Kiev to pledge the endless support of the US, by the way, because Britain doesn't do anything. The endless support of the United States to the defeat of Russia. And then he flies across the Atlantic to try to convince Biden to authorize, and authorize means is for the US military to enable deep strikes inside Russia.
That's really a clever (NOT!) thing to do, especially because Putin said, well, then we'd be at war with each other and we'd be forced to reconsider our nuclear strategy. <...> He's not bluffing if Russia is fundamentally threatened.
***
๐ We [the US] provoked the war in Ukraine. We provoked the war in Ukraine, absolutely surely. And we'll do the same with Taiwan and we'll lose any war that happens, but maybe the world will end also over this stupidity and the people in Washington are stupid, I'm telling you. I know them.
#Opinion by Malisemelo Mofokeng from Free State, South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ, who studied at the Moscow State University in 2016-2017:
โIt is an excellent university. In my short time there they taught me what take so much longer in other universities. The professors are very passionate in their teaching and it is why it is one of the best universities in the country.
All the Russian language I know today was all taught to my in MSU and it got me through 6 years in the country. My Russian grammar was complimented everyday because I was taught so well.โ
๐ฟ๐ฆ Malisemelo is now a qualified doctor practicing in South Africa. She send greetings to her Alma Mater on the occasion of its 270th anniversary:
โI wish the university more prosperity and growth. I hope it will accept more international students so that the world can see and witness how excellent the quality of education is.โ
#StudyinRussia #RussianEducation #MSU270
โIt is an excellent university. In my short time there they taught me what take so much longer in other universities. The professors are very passionate in their teaching and it is why it is one of the best universities in the country.
All the Russian language I know today was all taught to my in MSU and it got me through 6 years in the country. My Russian grammar was complimented everyday because I was taught so well.โ
๐ฟ๐ฆ Malisemelo is now a qualified doctor practicing in South Africa. She send greetings to her Alma Mater on the occasion of its 270th anniversary:
โI wish the university more prosperity and growth. I hope it will accept more international students so that the world can see and witness how excellent the quality of education is.โ
#StudyinRussia #RussianEducation #MSU270
โ๏ธ #Opinion by Russiaโs G20 Sous-Sherpa Marat Berdyiev:
The #G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg on Feb 20-21, with the participation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be the first ministerial-level meeting of G20 this year. We expect that it will set a generally positive tone for the collective work of the forum chaired by our South African friends.
โ๏ธ In the context of growing tensions, this platform will allow for an honest and productive exchange of views with an emphasis on the current international situation and macroeconomic realities. The Russian delegation at the upcoming event will traditionally be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
๐ท๐บ For our part, we will share with #G20 colleagues our vision of the root causes of global strategic instability, as well as the growing risks to the integrity and effective functioning of international markets, supply chains and business transaction service mechanisms. It must be acknowledged that the West's policies to counter emerging centers of power with the use of a wide range of "hybrid wars" and neocolonial practices have provoked a critical level of confrontation.
โ๏ธ This destructive scenario is fraught with fragmentation of the global economic system and erosion of long-standing achievements in development.
In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the creation of the UN, we will draw our partnersโ special attention to the central role of the Global Organization and its Charter in resolving differences, responding cohesively to challenges and threats, as well as the need for a joint fight against the glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism. We intend to emphasize the fundamental importance of the principles of sovereign equality of states and indivisible security for all in the context of maintaining peace and stability.
๐ Another important topic for us, especially in light of the first-ever #G20 African presidency, is Russia's commitment to strengthening the positions of the Global South countries in key decision-making mechanisms in the interests of multipolarity. The G20 made corresponding promises at its first summit in Washington in 2008. Certain progress in this direction is observed, but it is being held back in every possible way by both the US and the EU.
Let us "highlight" our efforts to promote international cooperation formats and integration initiatives with a unifying agenda, such as #BRICS, the #EAEU, and the flagship initiative of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership.
#G20 #G20SouthAfrica
The #G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg on Feb 20-21, with the participation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be the first ministerial-level meeting of G20 this year. We expect that it will set a generally positive tone for the collective work of the forum chaired by our South African friends.
โ๏ธ In the context of growing tensions, this platform will allow for an honest and productive exchange of views with an emphasis on the current international situation and macroeconomic realities. The Russian delegation at the upcoming event will traditionally be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
๐ท๐บ For our part, we will share with #G20 colleagues our vision of the root causes of global strategic instability, as well as the growing risks to the integrity and effective functioning of international markets, supply chains and business transaction service mechanisms. It must be acknowledged that the West's policies to counter emerging centers of power with the use of a wide range of "hybrid wars" and neocolonial practices have provoked a critical level of confrontation.
โ๏ธ This destructive scenario is fraught with fragmentation of the global economic system and erosion of long-standing achievements in development.
In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the creation of the UN, we will draw our partnersโ special attention to the central role of the Global Organization and its Charter in resolving differences, responding cohesively to challenges and threats, as well as the need for a joint fight against the glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism. We intend to emphasize the fundamental importance of the principles of sovereign equality of states and indivisible security for all in the context of maintaining peace and stability.
๐ Another important topic for us, especially in light of the first-ever #G20 African presidency, is Russia's commitment to strengthening the positions of the Global South countries in key decision-making mechanisms in the interests of multipolarity. The G20 made corresponding promises at its first summit in Washington in 2008. Certain progress in this direction is observed, but it is being held back in every possible way by both the US and the EU.
Let us "highlight" our efforts to promote international cooperation formats and integration initiatives with a unifying agenda, such as #BRICS, the #EAEU, and the flagship initiative of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership.
#G20 #G20SouthAfrica
#ExpertsSay #Opinion
๐ On 28 February 1992, the historic visit to South Africa by the Russian Foreign Minister culminated in the signing of an agreement to establish embassies and consulates in both countries.
๐ท๐บ๐ฟ๐ฆ Until then, the relationship between Russia and South Africa had a complex history, marked by periods of cooperation and deep antagonism.
Consular ties between the Soviet Union and the Union of South Africa were first established during World War II, reflecting their shared opposition to Nazi Germany. However, these ties were severed in 1956 by South Africa's apartheid regime, which viewed the Soviet Union as a major ideological adversary.
For decades, the Soviet Union was a staunch supporter of the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid. The support included providing arms, training ANC members, and actively campaigning against apartheid on the international stage.
๐ The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a significant shift in the relationship. As the Soviet Union underwent its own political transformations, it began to reassess its approach to South Africa.
๐ In 1991, the two countries agreed to establish "Interest Sections" within the Austrian embassies in Moscow and Pretoria, effectively serving as de facto diplomatic missions. This move signaled a gradual warming of relations, with both sides engaging in dialogue and exploring avenues for cooperation.
โ๏ธ The formal establishment of full diplomatic relations in February 1992 occurred following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the Russian Federation.
The establishment of diplomatic relations was driven by a confluence of factors. For Russia, it represented an opportunity to engage with a strategically important and economically developed country. There was also a sense that establishing ties with the transitional government would pave the way for future cooperation with a post-apartheid South Africa. For South Africa, normalizing relations with Russia was seen as a way to break out of its international isolation and gain recognition from a major world power. It also opened possibilities for trade and economic cooperation.
๐ท๐บ๐ค๐ฟ๐ฆ The establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa laid the foundation for a multifaceted partnership that has continued to evolve in the years since. Despite the dramatic changes on the global stage, both countries have maintained a commitment to dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues.
*Mr Boris Gorelik - Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sub-Saharan Africa, Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
#RussiaSouthAfrica
๐ On 28 February 1992, the historic visit to South Africa by the Russian Foreign Minister culminated in the signing of an agreement to establish embassies and consulates in both countries.
๐ท๐บ๐ฟ๐ฆ Until then, the relationship between Russia and South Africa had a complex history, marked by periods of cooperation and deep antagonism.
Consular ties between the Soviet Union and the Union of South Africa were first established during World War II, reflecting their shared opposition to Nazi Germany. However, these ties were severed in 1956 by South Africa's apartheid regime, which viewed the Soviet Union as a major ideological adversary.
For decades, the Soviet Union was a staunch supporter of the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid. The support included providing arms, training ANC members, and actively campaigning against apartheid on the international stage.
๐ The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a significant shift in the relationship. As the Soviet Union underwent its own political transformations, it began to reassess its approach to South Africa.
๐ In 1991, the two countries agreed to establish "Interest Sections" within the Austrian embassies in Moscow and Pretoria, effectively serving as de facto diplomatic missions. This move signaled a gradual warming of relations, with both sides engaging in dialogue and exploring avenues for cooperation.
โ๏ธ The formal establishment of full diplomatic relations in February 1992 occurred following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the Russian Federation.
The establishment of diplomatic relations was driven by a confluence of factors. For Russia, it represented an opportunity to engage with a strategically important and economically developed country. There was also a sense that establishing ties with the transitional government would pave the way for future cooperation with a post-apartheid South Africa. For South Africa, normalizing relations with Russia was seen as a way to break out of its international isolation and gain recognition from a major world power. It also opened possibilities for trade and economic cooperation.
๐ท๐บ๐ค๐ฟ๐ฆ The establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa laid the foundation for a multifaceted partnership that has continued to evolve in the years since. Despite the dramatic changes on the global stage, both countries have maintained a commitment to dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues.
*Mr Boris Gorelik - Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sub-Saharan Africa, Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
#RussiaSouthAfrica
#Opinion
โ๏ธ Hereโs why Trump is talking peace with Putin
By Ivan Timofeev
Tuesday's talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have marked a shift towards the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. However, given the number of unresolved issues, the results are still unclear and a setback could occur at any moment.
The flaws in the European security system will continue to jeopardise prospects for normalisation for a long time. Nonetheless, the window of opportunity for achieving peace is still open. The motivation to leverage these circumstances is shaped by the results that Russia has achieved in its military operation so far, as well as the potential scenarios that could unfold for both sides if the conflict continues.
Read in full on IOL
โ๏ธ Hereโs why Trump is talking peace with Putin
By Ivan Timofeev
Tuesday's talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have marked a shift towards the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. However, given the number of unresolved issues, the results are still unclear and a setback could occur at any moment.
The flaws in the European security system will continue to jeopardise prospects for normalisation for a long time. Nonetheless, the window of opportunity for achieving peace is still open. The motivation to leverage these circumstances is shaped by the results that Russia has achieved in its military operation so far, as well as the potential scenarios that could unfold for both sides if the conflict continues.
Read in full on IOL
โ๏ธ #Opinion by Tamara Andreeva, Junior Researcher at the Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences:
Over the decades, thousands of #African students have pursued higher education in the USSR and later in Russia, returning home with valuable knowledge, professional skills, and a deep understanding of Russian culture.
Many have risen to influential roles in government, academia, and business, further solidifying the enduring bond between Russia and Africa.
๐ Today, around 35,000 African students are studying in #Russia, most of whom are enrolled through quotas that cover not only tuition fees but also dormitory accommodation and provide a monthly stipend.
๐ In the 2025/26 academic year, Russia will allocate 4,816 state-funded places for students from Africa, slightly more than the 4,746 places in 2024/25. Last year, 14,000 applicants competed for these spots, with 2.7 applicants per place.
๐ In 2025, the largest number of places will go to applicants from #Egypt, #Algeria, #Angola, #Chad, #Mali, #Congo, #Nigeria, #Zambia, #Benin, #Guinea, and #Zimbabwe.
According to Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian agency responsible for international cooperation, the most popular fields of study are medicine, economics, IT, international relations, oil and gas, and construction.
๐ African students are admitted to leading Russian universities, with the Peoplesโ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) traditionally leading the list, followed by St. Petersburg State University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and others.
Photo: African students studying at Lomonosov Moscow State University. May 5, 1961. By Sputnik/Oleg
#RussianEducation #StudyinRussia
Over the decades, thousands of #African students have pursued higher education in the USSR and later in Russia, returning home with valuable knowledge, professional skills, and a deep understanding of Russian culture.
Many have risen to influential roles in government, academia, and business, further solidifying the enduring bond between Russia and Africa.
๐ Today, around 35,000 African students are studying in #Russia, most of whom are enrolled through quotas that cover not only tuition fees but also dormitory accommodation and provide a monthly stipend.
๐ In the 2025/26 academic year, Russia will allocate 4,816 state-funded places for students from Africa, slightly more than the 4,746 places in 2024/25. Last year, 14,000 applicants competed for these spots, with 2.7 applicants per place.
๐ In 2025, the largest number of places will go to applicants from #Egypt, #Algeria, #Angola, #Chad, #Mali, #Congo, #Nigeria, #Zambia, #Benin, #Guinea, and #Zimbabwe.
According to Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian agency responsible for international cooperation, the most popular fields of study are medicine, economics, IT, international relations, oil and gas, and construction.
๐ African students are admitted to leading Russian universities, with the Peoplesโ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) traditionally leading the list, followed by St. Petersburg State University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, and others.
Photo: African students studying at Lomonosov Moscow State University. May 5, 1961. By Sputnik/Oleg
#RussianEducation #StudyinRussia
From Russia with Resonance: Igor Butman Quartetโs Triumph at CTIJF 2025
โ๏ธ By Gillian Schutte
Source: IOL
Among the many great performances at the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Igor Butman Quartet carved out a space entirely their own โ one defined not only by dazzling virtuosity but by the true art of musical conversation. It was, without question, one of the most outstanding performances of the festival.
For Igor Butman, Russiaโs world-renowned tenor saxophonist, playing at this iconic gathering was a dream long in the making. Speaking ahead of his set, he described the opportunity to perform at the CTICC as a โdream come true.โ
That sense of wonder and gratitude was palpable throughout their performance โ a set that transcended technical brilliance to become a living, breathing testament to musicโs universal spirit.
๐ Read the article in full
#RussianCulture #IgorButman #CTIJF2025 #JazzFestival #opinion
โ๏ธ By Gillian Schutte
Source: IOL
Among the many great performances at the 2025 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Igor Butman Quartet carved out a space entirely their own โ one defined not only by dazzling virtuosity but by the true art of musical conversation. It was, without question, one of the most outstanding performances of the festival.
For Igor Butman, Russiaโs world-renowned tenor saxophonist, playing at this iconic gathering was a dream long in the making. Speaking ahead of his set, he described the opportunity to perform at the CTICC as a โdream come true.โ
That sense of wonder and gratitude was palpable throughout their performance โ a set that transcended technical brilliance to become a living, breathing testament to musicโs universal spirit.
๐ Read the article in full
#RussianCulture #IgorButman #CTIJF2025 #JazzFestival #opinion
#Opinion by Marat Berdyiev, Russiaโs G20 Sous-Sherpa:
In recent years, the #G20 has been paying increased attention to the problems of Africa. In 2023, with Russiaโs assistance, the African Union became a full-fledged member of the association.
๐ฟ๐ฆThis year, South Africa, under its #G20 presidency, has consistently defended the continent's development priorities.
According to updated IMF calculations for sub-Saharan Africa, the economic dynamics in the region in 2024 exceeded expectations.
๐ Growth was at 4%. This was the result of efforts to diversify the economy, high-quality government investments, and increased exports.
๐ There have been notable success in curbing inflation. The situation with public debt has stabilized slightly โ the average median ratio of the indicator to GDP was kept within 60%.
โ ๏ธ However, the current tariff turbulence threatens to become another shock for African states. According to the Fund's forecasts, growth in the region will slow to 3.8% in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026.
Under pressure from external circumstances, they may face a decrease in demand for their products, a drop in prices for key exports (primarily raw materials), and difficulties with access to capital.
โ๏ธAnother risk factor is the high probability of a reduction in official development assistance, which accounts for a significant share of financial receipts in the region. Importantly, these funds often go to support key social items, including healthcare.
The foundation of Africa's future success should be increased resilience to external volatility.
โ๏ธ The continent's capacious resource base and solid demographic dividend can be a significant support for this. Africa needs to gradually form its own production base, stimulate integration, and develop the domestic market.
Many of the said topics are at the top of the G20 agenda, and both regional integration structures and leading local think tanks are closely involved in the discussions.
๐ท๐บ For our part, we are ready to continue to assist our African partners in various fields - ensuring sustainable development, combating epidemiological diseases, addressing food security and disaster management.
Photo: dirco.photolibrary2
#G20SouthAfrica
In recent years, the #G20 has been paying increased attention to the problems of Africa. In 2023, with Russiaโs assistance, the African Union became a full-fledged member of the association.
๐ฟ๐ฆThis year, South Africa, under its #G20 presidency, has consistently defended the continent's development priorities.
According to updated IMF calculations for sub-Saharan Africa, the economic dynamics in the region in 2024 exceeded expectations.
๐ Growth was at 4%. This was the result of efforts to diversify the economy, high-quality government investments, and increased exports.
๐ There have been notable success in curbing inflation. The situation with public debt has stabilized slightly โ the average median ratio of the indicator to GDP was kept within 60%.
โ ๏ธ However, the current tariff turbulence threatens to become another shock for African states. According to the Fund's forecasts, growth in the region will slow to 3.8% in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026.
Under pressure from external circumstances, they may face a decrease in demand for their products, a drop in prices for key exports (primarily raw materials), and difficulties with access to capital.
โ๏ธAnother risk factor is the high probability of a reduction in official development assistance, which accounts for a significant share of financial receipts in the region. Importantly, these funds often go to support key social items, including healthcare.
The foundation of Africa's future success should be increased resilience to external volatility.
โ๏ธ The continent's capacious resource base and solid demographic dividend can be a significant support for this. Africa needs to gradually form its own production base, stimulate integration, and develop the domestic market.
Many of the said topics are at the top of the G20 agenda, and both regional integration structures and leading local think tanks are closely involved in the discussions.
๐ท๐บ For our part, we are ready to continue to assist our African partners in various fields - ensuring sustainable development, combating epidemiological diseases, addressing food security and disaster management.
Photo: dirco.photolibrary2
#G20SouthAfrica