During his remarks at the BRICS Economic Summit on Tuesday in Johannesburg, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke in favour of greater connections with African nations.
The greatest rising economies in the world—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—make up the BRICS alliance.
According to South African officials, more than 20 countries have sought to join the bloc, which is currently home to 40% of the world’s population and generates more than 30% of the world’s economic output. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
“Brazil is back on the continent it should never have left. Africa offers vast opportunities and enormous potential for growth,” said the Brazilian President.
“The BRICS have a unique chance to shape the trajectory of global development. You, entrepreneurs, are part of this effort. Our countries together represent a third of the world economy.”
Former President Jair Bolsonaro didn’t visit the African continent during his four year term in office.
The meeting was also attended by the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend, but sent representatives to the event.
