ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — Ethiopia on Monday expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in the BRICS mechanism as its membership in the group officially came into effect on the same day.
In a press release, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said the East African country's membership in the BRICS family demonstrated its commitment to the framework of South-South cooperation.
Meanwhile, members also recognize Ethiopia's rich multilateral contributions to promoting international peace, security and prosperity, as well as its continued commitment and leadership in South-South cooperation, the ministry noted.
According to him, the historic decision to invite Ethiopia to join the BRICS mechanism is a recognition of the status quo and the potential of the Ethiopian economy, which is currently being reformed.
“Guided by its long-held principles and rich history of multilateralism, Ethiopia remains committed and ready to play a constructive role in promoting peace and prosperity as a new member of the BRICS family and in cooperation with all its members,” he said .
The Foreign Ministry said a national ministerial committee and another coordination committee of senior officials were established to ensure Ethiopia's active participation in the bloc, which initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
During the 15th BRICS summit last August in Johannesburg, South Africa, countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join the group and their membership was set to take effect on January 1, 2024.