In this week’s round-up: Brazil places AI governance at the top of BRICS, G20 negotiations; ECC approves Pakistan’s New Development Bank membership; US treasury secretary dismisses BRICS replacement of dollar; BRICS Plus could play a new-era role in aiding Africa’s strong beneficiation aspirations; The role of mining in strengthening South Africa’s position within BRICS; Philippines in BRICS – would joining mend ties with China?
Russian, Indonesian diplomats discuss cooperation within BRICS
The BRICS sherpas of Russia and Indonesia, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Director General for Multilateral Cooperation of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Tri Tharyat, have discussed cooperation within BRICS and the progress in its institutional development, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Press review: US boosts pressure on neighbours as BRICS forms agricultural coalition
The US is exploiting the Panama Canal for pressuring its neighbours, BRICS intends to establish an agrarian alliance, and Gazprom utilises an alternative route for its exports to Europe. These stories topped the headlines in newspapers across Russia.
US treasury secretary dismisses BRICS replacement of dollar
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has dismissed the possibility that the BRICS nations can replace the US dollar as the global reserve currency, despite efforts by countries like Russia, China, and India to reduce their reliance on the dollar in trade. Bessent, with over three decades of experience in currency markets, emphasised that no other currency could challenge the dominance of the greenback.
Philippines in BRICS – would joining mend ties with China?
“Host talks, not bases.” With those words, a senator in the Philippines made the case for joining Brics, a move he said would boost the country’s neutrality and position it as an advocate for a multipolar world.
Press review: Trump open to settling Ukraine conflict while BRICS, EAEU doors remain open
US President Donald Trump spoke about his first conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin since his re-election; the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) plans to hold a total of eight military drills in 2025; and Moscow plans to continue collaboration within the BRICS and EAEU formats.
The role of mining in strengthening South Africa’s position within BRICS
South Africa’s membership in BRICS offers a unique platform to capitalise on our nation’s substantial mineral reserves. As the sole African representative, South Africa serves as a conduit to the continent’s abundant natural resources. The mining sector, a pivotal driver of the South African economy, is poised to significantly benefit from heightened investor involvement within the BRICS framework, opening new avenues for expansion and delivering a multitude of socio-economic advantages.
Could BRICS Plus play a new-era role in aiding Africa’s strong beneficiation aspirations?
Collectively, Africa’s critical mineral resources are attractively expansive. Could BRICS Plus potentially become a widespread new-era platform for distinctive mining and metals collaboration and cooperation, as some are suggesting?
How Aramco’s innovations are shaping energy security in BRICS nations
In an era where energy security and economic growth are inextricably linked, the role of advanced oil production technologies has become pivotal. Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, stands at the forefront of this transformation.
Brazil places AI governance at top of BRICS, G20 negotiations
Speaking at the AI Action Summit, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the urgency of addressing AI’s impact on democracy, sovereignty, and global governance.
Embraer’s strategic growth: Leading aviation innovation in the BRICS alliance
Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace giant, soars as a world leader in aircraft manufacturing. With over 18,000 employees and more than 8,000 planes delivered, it holds the title of third-largest aircraft producer globally. Embraer’s success story is fuelled not only by its innovative technology but by strategic partnerships within the BRICS alliance.
Africa will live its dream using BRICS and catalyse new order
For countries trying to flee the haunting shadows of a Western world-imposed unipolar hegemony, 2024 marked a new dawn for BRICS as a growing global entity.
ECC approves Pakistan’s New Development Bank membership
The ECC approved Pakistan’s membership in the New Development Bank, established by BRICS member countries. The committee endorsed the purchase of 5,882 capital shares in the bank, amounting to 582 million dollars, with 116 million dollars as paid-in capital.
