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Hon. Pemmy Majodina, Amos Masondo on SA delegation
The
South African Parliament will host the 9th meeting of the BRICS
Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF) with the theme "Harnessing Multilateralism
and Parliamentary Diplomacy to Deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership for
Accelerated Implementation of the Africa Free-Trade Agreement."
Expected
to last for two days, the meeting starts on the 27th of September with a
keynote address by the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr. Paul Mashatile and a debate on the outcomes of the 15th BRICS
Summit Heads of State.
This
is according to a statement issued on Monday by the Parliament of the Republic
of South Africa.
Made
up of leaders of legislative organs of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and
South Africa) countries, the BRICS PF structure is a symbol of cooperation and
proof of members’ shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering
cooperation on many fronts.
The
primary purpose of the BRICS PF Assembly is to reinforce and cultivate
relationships at the highest levels of parliamentary chambers, committees, and
groups of parliamentarians. Through inter-parliamentary exchanges and expert
consultations, it aims to enhance cooperation and increase collective impact.
The
Assembly's current theme is consistent with the recent Heads of State Summit
held in Johannesburg last month. South Africa was the BRICS Chair that hosted
the 15th Heads of State Summit. Parliament has the dual role of facilitating
meaningful interactions, promoting economic prosperity, and advancing strategic
partnerships that transcend borders.
Our
focus on the alignment of the theme demonstrates our steadfast dedication to
promoting a more inclusive, integrated, and prosperous Africa. This theme also
highlights the significance of Africa in South Africa's foreign policy,
emphasizing the interconnectedness of our national interests with Africa's
stability, unity, and prosperity.
The
BRICS nations have a valuable opportunity to lead in promoting change and
shaping a new global order while preserving multilateralism as the foundation
for international relations. Parliaments, which consist of representatives from
diverse political parties and ideologies, work on behalf of their countries'
citizens. By participating in groups such as the BRICS PF, parliaments can help
ensure that the aspirations and desires of their people are met.
Since
the inaugural BRICS PF meeting, which was held in Moscow, Russia in 2015, the
forum’s meetings have been held parallel to the BRICS Heads of State Summit or
on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meetings.
Although
the arrangement was convenient and saved time and resources, it did not give
the BRICS PF the necessary recognition it deserved. This also diminished its
stature as an equally important structure within the BRICS system.
The
Assembly then deemed it fit to hold this meeting separately from the other
meetings in order to give it the significance it deserves, guided by the
principles of separation of powers.
Over
250 delegates are expected to attend the Assembly, with several critical
outcomes expected, including the formal establishment of the BRICS PF through
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the issuance of a Declaration or
Outcome Document outlining our shared vision, a decision on establishing the
BRICS PF Secretariat, and most importantly, a strengthened BRICS identity with
increased people-to-people exchanges.
The
South Africa delegation includes two members of South Africa’s delegation to
the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Amos Masondo
(President of the National Council of Provinces) and Hon. Pemmy Majodina (ANC Chief Whip).
Expected
participants include all the BRICS Member Nations, including the new
prospective members in the BRICS Plus, including Brazil, Russia Federation,
India, China. Invited dignitaries include:
• Ms.
Baleka Mbete, Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Former Deputy
President of the Republic of South Africa.
• HE Dr. Hanafy Ali Gebaly, Speaker of
the Egyptian House of Representatives;
• HE Mr. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf,
President of MajlesShoraye Eslaimi of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Hon. Esperança Laurinda Francisco Nhuane
Bias, Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament of Mozambique.
• Hon. Prof. Peter H. Katjavivi, MP,
Speaker of the National Assembly, Parliament of Namibia.
• HE Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of Majlis
Watani Itihadi, United Arab Emirates.
• Cllr Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, Speaker of
the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
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