SL reiterates decision to seek association with BRICS and new development bank

Monday, 28 October 2024 03:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane addresses the BRICS Plus Outreach Dialogue held last week in Kazan

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane represented Sri Lanka at the BRICS Plus Outreach Dialogue held in Kazan on 24 October. The Outreach Dialogue followed the conclusion of the BRICS Summit held from 22-24 October.

The 16th BRICS Summit and Outreach was chaired by Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin and was attended by 35 leaders (or their representatives), as well as the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG). The BRICS member States are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Brazil will take over the Chair of BRICS in 2025.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of the Kazan Declaration. The Summit also welcomed the considerable interest in BRICS by countries of the Global South and believed that the gradual extension of BRICS’ ‘partnership’ status was beneficial.

In her address to the BRICS Plus Outreach Dialogue, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane reiterated Sri Lanka’s wish to seek closer association with BRICS and the New Development Bank (NDB). Wijewardane also outlined the relevance of BRICS in today’s world, the importance of a BRICS membership for Sri Lanka, as well as Sri Lanka’s contribution to the Group.

On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane met Russia Foreign Affairs Ministry Deputy Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Ragui El-Etreby, and China Foreign Affairs Ministry CPC Committee Member and Foreign Affairs Executive Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu for bilateral meetings. During these meetings, Sri Lanka’s interest in BRICS and the NDB was discussed and Sri Lanka’s interest was welcomed.

The Foreign Secretary also met NDB President Dilma Rousseff.

Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia Charge´ d’Affaires P.M. Amza and Foreign Affairs Ministry Economic Affairs Division Director General K.K. Yoganaadan were also part of the Sri Lanka delegation.