Indonesia Officially Proposes To Join BRICS Plus At Russia Summit

Tuesday, 29 Oct 2024

By srirahayu@insightinnews.com

Indonesia has expressed its desire to join BRICS during the BRICS Plus summit held in Kazan, Russia, on October 24. This announcement marks the commencement of Indonesia's process to become a member of BRICS.

Representing the President of Indonesia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs acted as a Special Envoy, conveying the President's message regarding anti-colonialism and anti-oppression. Minister Sugiono specifically emphasized solidarity and commitment to global peace, highlighting the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon. "Indonesia cannot remain silent while these atrocities continue without accountability," asserted the Minister Sugiono. Indonesia has called for a ceasefire and the enforcement of international law, as well as the importance of sustained support for the recovery of Gaza.

Furthermore, the Minister proposed several concrete steps to enhance cooperation within BRICS and the Global South. First, he advocated for the enforcement of the right to sustainable development, emphasizing that developing countries require policy space while developed nations must fulfill their commitments.

Second, he supported reforms of the multilateral system to make it more inclusive, representative, and aligned with current realities. International institutions should be strengthened and adequately resourced to fulfill their mandates.

Lastly, he called for a united front and solidarity among Global South nations, suggesting that BRICS could serve as a catalyst for enhancing cooperation among developing countries.

"The inclusion of Indonesia in BRICS represents the embodiment of an active and independent foreign policy," stated Minister Sugiono. "This does not imply alignment with a particular bloc, but rather our active participation in all forums."

The priorities of BRICS are also aligned with the work program of the Red and White Cabinet, particularly concerning food and energy security, poverty eradication, and the advancement of human resources, stated the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Through BRICS, Indonesia aims to elevate the interests of developing nations or the Global South. "We see BRICS as a suitable platform to discuss and promote the shared interests of the Global South," Minister Sugiono added. "However, we will continue our engagement in other forums while also maintaining discussions with developed countries."

A concrete example of this continuity is that "next month, the President will participate in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while I have also been invited to attend the expanded session of the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Fiuggi, Italy," remarked the Indonesian Foreign Minister. This underscores Indonesia's significant role as a bridge builder between developing and developed nations.

Minister Sugiono also took the opportunity in Kazan to hold various bilateral meetings, primarily with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the host, as well as with other friendly partner nations, including the Secretary-General of the PLO Palestine, the Foreign Ministers of China, India, Thailand, Malaysia's Minister of Economy, and the President of the New Development Bank. Additionally, the Indonesian Foreign Minister engaged in introductory phone discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Cambodia.

BRICS is an informal group originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This group was first initiated in 2006 to address current global issues. Its membership was expanded in 2023 to include Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Tag:

We would appreciate your comments

Govt_Politic