Greece
Source: moderndiplomacy.eu

Egyptian President Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping share many common themes and future visions regarding the modernization of the Global South through the BRICS.

Egyptian President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi” and his Chinese counterpart “Xi Jinping” share many common themes and future visions regarding the modernization of the Global South through the BRICS economic cooperation mechanism, such as enhancing cooperation between China, Egypt, and developing countries of the Global South, enhancing exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African academic circles, providing intellectual support for the modernization of the Global South, and promoting continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of cooperation between China and Africa through the strong strategic partnership between China and Egypt. Especially since Egypt was one of the first countries to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is a natural partner in building the Belt and Road. Moreover, under the strategic plans of President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi” and Chinese President “Xi Jinping,” the Belt and Road Initiative has been closely linked to Egypt’s Vision 2030, which has contributed to advancing it and achieving tangible positive results. With Egypt’s entry into the BRICS grouping with China, the fruits of economic cooperation between the two sides have multiplied, in accordance with a fixed and shared vision to modernize the countries of the Global South and global political and economic institutions in a way that serves the interests of the developing Global South.

Since coming to power, President “Xi Jinping” has outlined a path to leading the vigorous advancement of major power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. This approach focuses on a community of shared future for mankind, mutual benefit, the win-win principle, and the philosophy of neutrality. This approach aims to achieve comprehensive and just cooperation with all parties and promote the establishment of a model of relations characterized by peaceful coexistence, comprehensive stability, and balanced development. Egypt, under the leadership of President “Abdel Fattah El-Sisi,” was among the first countries to support Chinese President Xi Jinping’s philosophy of modernizing the developing countries of the Global South and supporting its own economic institutions, most notably the BRICS group, as a guarantee for reforming international political and economic institutions, most notably the United Nations, away from the idea of American hegemony, unipolarity, and the West’s double standards.

China strongly supports the just cause of the Egyptian people and leadership on the Palestinian issue and consistently strives to support the “two-state solution,” restore peace to the Middle East, and achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. Sino-Egyptian relations are a model of South-South cooperation.

Both Egypt and China are members of the BRICS nations, and now the BRICS circle is expanding, entering an era of greater BRICS. The BRICS mechanism is so popular in Egypt and the Middle East. Since the BRICS group was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and joined by South Africa in 2011, and then joined by the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran on January 1, 2024, it has managed to draw attention to itself as a symbol of a new, more diverse, and just multipolar international system, and as an alternative that seeks to enhance diversity and equality in global decision-making, under the slogan “Promoting multilateralism for fair global development and security.”

Both Egypt and China have a mutual vision regarding the reform of the international institutions through the BRICS and supporting the global south. As such, the BRICS group also serves the Global South countries and the developing countries of the Global South through several aspects, including the following:

– The need to reform international institutions such as the United Nations, the UN Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank to become more representative and effective, while enhancing the role of developing countries in international decision-making.

– The importance of respecting the principles of multipolarity in international relations and cooperation in facing global challenges.

– Focusing on achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the need to provide the necessary funding from developed countries to developing countries.

– Strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, with a call for all parties to renew the Iranian nuclear agreement.

– Initial approval to accept 10 new countries, with a survey of member states before final approval, and the creation of the category of “partner countries,” in light of 30 countries expressing interest in joining “BRICS.”

– Strengthening cooperation between BRICS countries in the economic and financial fields, developing joint projects, encouraging the use of local currencies, and working to establish the New Development Bank to become a multilateral development bank.

– Launching a new financial platform, BRICS Clear, with the aim of addressing inflation and supporting the national economy of the bloc countries, in addition to a grain exchange, and studying the establishment of a unified transport platform to ensure multimodal logistics services between the bloc countries.

– Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the unconditional release of all hostages and detainees, ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and supporting the right of the Palestinians to establish their independent state.

Accordingly, Egyptian-Chinese cooperation represents an ideal model for cooperation among countries of the Global South, especially through the BRICS economic cooperation mechanism, as an integral part of “major power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.” China, a model member of the Global South, has established strategic partnerships and comprehensive strategic partnerships with Egypt, the most powerful country in the Global South. Relations between China, Egypt, and countries of the Global South have entered a new era, combining a mutually beneficial economic framework through BRICS, a political framework based on reshaping the current global order towards a community of shared future for humanity, and a philosophy of neutrality to build an international community based on just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.

Ethiopia
Source: furtherafrica.com

An Ethiopian delegation participated in the BRICS Meeting of Vice Foreign Ministers held in Brasília, Brazil, from 27–28 March 2025. The event focused on regional peace, humanitarian crises, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the session, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese, voiced deep concern over the ongoing conflicts and growing humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa. He emphasised Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to peaceful and diplomatic solutions grounded in international law and the UN Charter.

Ambassador Leulseged underscored the importance of prioritising dialogue and effective diplomacy to achieve lasting peace, inclusive governance, and sustainable development across conflict-affected regions. “Ethiopia strongly advocates for peace through dialogue, not arms,” he stated.

Addressing the rise of terrorism, the Ambassador reaffirmed Ethiopia’s zero tolerance for terrorism in all forms and called for enhanced global cooperation to dismantle terrorist networks.

Ambassador Leulseged also highlighted Ethiopia’s active diplomatic engagement in resolving the crisis in Sudan. He referenced the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for Sudan, co-hosted in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2025 by Ethiopia, the UAE, IGAD, AU, and the UN. He urged BRICS nations to scale up humanitarian support for Sudan and contribute to regional stability.

Additionally, he noted Ethiopia’s strategic geopolitical importance as the most populous nation on the African coast of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. He called on the international community to promote inclusive and cooperative engagement in these vital maritime domains.

The BRICS Vice Foreign Ministers adopted a joint statement reiterating concern over protracted conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. They also welcomed Ethiopia’s leadership in co-hosting the humanitarian conference for Sudan, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a regional peace broker.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Colleagues,

Allow me to offer my greetings to the participants in the first international conference titled Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Russian International Affairs Council and the Embassy of India in Russia for working together to organise this new forum. We are delighted to welcome here in Moscow our friends from India representing its academia and businesses. I know that there are also diplomats among you, including those working in senior positions.

Russia views strengthening its privileged strategic partnership with India as a foreign policy priority as per its Foreign Policy Concept. We have sparred no effort in pursuing this objective. In terms of our practical interactions, we can see that India has been acting along the same lines.

Our two countries share long-standing ties. We can even say that these relations have passed the test of time. Today, Russia and India are promoting their cooperation on an equal footing, based on a sincere and shared respect for one another and taking into account each other’s interests. The way our respective leaders have been contributing to this process can hardly be underestimated. The fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia as his first overseas visit after his re-election last year sent a powerful message. The ball is now in our court. President Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation he received from India’s Prime Minister. Efforts to prepare the President’s visit to the Republic of India are underway.

Our relations rely on a solid economic foundation. We have been consistent in expanding our trade and economic ties, while also effectively fending off attempts by certain ill-wishers to create impediments for us. In 2024, our bilateral trade exceeded $60 billion, which was an all-time high in terms of our relations in their present-day form. Of course, we can aim even higher than that. We will carry on with our efforts to achieve the objectives as set forth by our respective leaders during last year’s July summit. These objectives include increasing trade to $100 billion by 2030. Stepping up practical cooperation not only reflects the trade potential Russia and India have but also empowers businesses of our countries to tap this potential, including by undertaking joint investment projects.
We have also gathered positive momentum in promoting our political dialogue. The fact that Moscow and New Delhi share close or even converging views on the emergence of a multipolar world order, is also a major asset. This order must have a diverse mix of development models at its core, while all countries must adhere to the principles as set forth in the UN Charter. They must comply with its provisions in full and considering their interconnected nature, instead of using a selective approach.
Together with our Indian partners, we want to inject more democracy into international relations, and to give the Global South a bigger say in economic governance, while respecting the unique cultural and civilizational identities of all nations around the world, including the right to trace their own path. All countries which are part of what we call the Global Majority, adhere to this vision.

Russia praises the Indian diplomacy and welcomes its commitment to following an independent, multi-directional foreign policy. It is our belief that India has every right to be viewed as a major power in today’s world and one of the most influential centres in the multipolar world order. We share India’s foreign policy concept with its slogan “The world is one family.” It stands for promoting international cooperation for improving the wellbeing for the entire humankind by balancing the interests of all countries. We also value the fact that we have been working together within the United Nations, the Group of Twenty, BRICS, the SCO and other multilateral platforms.

Russia is grateful for New Delhi’s constructive contribution to holding the historical BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024 as part of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship.

On a separate note, I would like to extend our gratitude on behalf of Russia for the fact that India, including its Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been following a balanced approach to the Ukraine crisis at all times and called for settling it through dialogue and by addressing its root causes.
Russia fully shares this approach and has been expressing its readiness to hold talks from the moment this crisis started. These talks must pave the way for settling the conflict and ensuring lasting peace by removing the conflict’s root causes, as I have already said.

Let me remind our Indian friends one more time that these root causes primarily include the attempts by the West to draw Ukraine into NATO and the security threats Russia has been facing following the alliance’s eastward expansion, as well as targeted and consistent policies by the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev, which came to power in an anti-constitutional government coup in February 2014. These policies provide for cancelling everything Russian by enacting laws and using extermination practices. This effort targets the Russian language, culture, media outlets, and the canonical Orthodox church. All these actions violate the UN Charter’s Article 1 and many other international conventions. There is a deep-rooted belief in Russia that addressing these root causes would create a solid foundation for achieving lasting peace and bringing about a political settlement to the security crisis which is unfolding in Eurasia’s European part.

In conclusion, I would like to say that communities bringing together Russian and Indian experts and political observers, the so-called Track II diplomacy, play an instrumental role in analysing processes unfolding around the world and also maintaining positive momentum in our bilateral relations. There are many challenges in today’s world and so much uncertainty. Against this backdrop, an honest, free and inclusive effort to ponder global development trends and devise practical recommendations for decision-makers in the corresponding states has special importance.

I am convinced that not only you can live up to this mission, but you are also willing to go the whole nine yards, as the saying goes. I hope that during this conference you will discuss the comprehensive ties between Russia and India in all their aspects and outline ways for developing these relations in a new geopolitical environment that is taking shape on our watch.

I wish you fruitful discussions and all the best.

USA
Source: www.reuters.com

JAKARTA, March 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia will join New Development Bank, a multilateral bank developed by BRICS member nations, President Prabowo Subianto said on Tuesday.

Joining NDB as a member would help Indonesia accelerate its economic transformation, Prabowo said. The BRICS group also includes Brazil, Russia, South Africa, China, India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.

Prabowo made the announcement during a visit by NDB president and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

China
Source: chinaglobalsouth.com

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomes New Development Bank (NDB) President Dilma Vana Rousseff at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Photo: BPMI Setpres)
Indonesia’s decision to join the New Development Bank (NDB) under the BRICS framework presents an opportunity to accelerate its green industrial policy. As the country transitions toward a more sustainable economy, securing financing for clean energy, infrastructure, and environmentally friendly industries is paramount. NDB offers an additional funding source that can complement existing financial institutions, allowing Indonesia to diversify its financing options while ensuring alignment with national sustainability goals.

Financing Indonesia’s Green Industrial Policy

Indonesia has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and expanding its renewable energy sector. However, financing the transition to a greener economy remains a challenge. The NDB’s strong focus on clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and digital transformation aligns with Indonesia’s long-term development strategy. Membership in the NDB enables Indonesia to tap into funding mechanisms that support renewable energy projects, electric vehicle infrastructure, and eco-friendly manufacturing.

Diversifying financial sources is crucial as Indonesia seeks to shift away from fossil fuels. While the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) remain key partners, NDB loans—if structured with competitive interest rates and favorable terms—can provide Indonesia with greater flexibility in financing large-scale green industrial projects. This reduces the strain on public finances while ensuring Indonesia continues its path toward a low-carbon economy.

Moreover, Indonesia’s participation in NDB can help reduce financial dependence on any single source, enabling the country to better negotiate terms for loans and development assistance. This diversified approach allows Indonesia to select financing that aligns best with its environmental goals and economic priorities, ensuring a stable and sustainable transition.

Strengthening Indonesia’s Role in Sustainable Development Finance

Beyond financial access, joining NDB positions Indonesia to play a more active role in shaping global sustainable finance policies. As an emerging economy, Indonesia has a vested interest in advocating for fair and transparent financing models that support developing nations in their green transition. By participating in NDB’s decision-making processes, Indonesia can push for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and equitable access to green financing.

NDB operates on a consensus-based governance model, ensuring that no single country dominates its lending agenda. Indonesia must take advantage of this structure to influence the bank’s funding priorities, ensuring they align with regional and national sustainability goals. Effective engagement will help secure financing for projects that support Indonesia’s green industrial policy while maintaining financial prudence.

Indonesia can also collaborate with other BRICS and NDB members to develop best practices for sustainable financing, ensuring that climate-conscious projects receive priority funding. By fostering alliances with nations that share similar sustainability goals, Indonesia can contribute to shaping NDB’s long-term green finance strategies.

Ensuring Transparency and Environmental Standards

Indonesia must actively advocate for transparency and environmental safeguards in NDB-funded projects. While the bank has established reporting mechanisms, continued scrutiny is necessary to ensure that projects meet high sustainability standards and avoid environmental or social risks. Strengthening oversight mechanisms will reinforce the credibility of NDB-financed initiatives and protect against inefficiencies or mismanagement.

Additionally, Indonesia should work to strengthen environmental and social impact assessments for NDB-funded projects, ensuring that sustainability remains a top priority. Transparency in project selection and implementation is essential to prevent environmental degradation and ensure that financing is directed toward truly transformative green initiatives.

As part of its engagement with NDB, Indonesia should push for an increased emphasis on financing clean technology innovation, such as battery storage for renewable energy, circular economy models, and carbon capture initiatives. By doing so, Indonesia can help expand the scope of sustainable financing within the institution while ensuring its own green industrial agenda receives the necessary support.

Maximizing the Benefits of NDB Membership

Indonesia’s engagement with NDB must be strategic, ensuring that its membership directly supports its green industrial ambitions. By negotiating favorable terms, advocating for transparent governance, and securing funding for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, Indonesia can leverage NDB as a key instrument for its environmental and economic transformation.

Ultimately, Indonesia should not be a passive member of NDB but an active participant in shaping its direction. With a clear focus on sustainability, Indonesia can utilize this partnership to accelerate its green industrial policy, enhance its role in global sustainable finance, and drive long-term economic growth without compromising environmental integrity.

Additionally, NDB membership offers Indonesia an opportunity to showcase leadership in sustainable finance among emerging economies. By promoting green investment models and advocating for increased commitments to renewable energy financing, Indonesia can position itself as a regional leader in sustainability, influencing broader trends in global development finance.

Indonesia’s decision to join NDB could be a strategic move to reinforce its green development agenda. By actively engaging in policy discussions, ensuring financial prudence, and emphasizing environmental responsibility, Indonesia can maximize the benefits of NDB membership while strengthening its long-term economic resilience and sustainability.

This article was co-authored by Yeta Purnama, a researcher at the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, Director of the China-Indonesia Desk at CELIOS.

Egypt
Source: egyptindependent.com

Egypt’s membership of BRICS has an important role in supporting the mechanisms of cultural promotion and serve the culture industry, said Rania Abdel Latif, head of the Cultural Ministry’s foreign cultural affairs department.

Speaking to Egyptian Channel 1, she highlighted Russia’s initiative to propagate and share culture of member states.

The recommendations of the recent conference of culture ministers of the BRICS members in Russia support creativity and innovation mechanisms of the member states, she added.

Russia
Source: russiancouncil.ru

On March 27, 2025, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), supported by the Embassy of India in Russia, will host the first ever Russia and India: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda International Conference. The event will bring together public officials and experts from Moscow, New Delhi, and other cities and regions of the two countries.

The year 2022 marked the 75th anniversary of Russia–India diplomatic relations. The long-standing special and privileged partnership between Moscow and New Delhi is based on mutual trust, understanding, and strategic convergence. It is a relationship between two self-reliant actors, Eurasian neighbors, as well as key players of the multipolar world order.

The 22nd Russia–India Annual Summit held in Moscow on July 8–9, 2024, reaffirmed the stability of these bilateral ties. Warm and friendly exchanges between between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi demonstrate their willingness to seek compromise on bilateral, regional, and global levels.

Promoting Russian–Indian relations in all spheres of life is a shared priority for both countries. In 2022–2023, bilateral trade reached $49.4 bn, almost twice exceeding the initial $30 bn target for 2025, previously set out by the two leaders. Now, Moscow and New Delhi aim to reach $100 bn in trade before 2030. The parties have also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in transport and machinery, metal production, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other areas of common interest. Together, Russia and India foresee the development of joint connectivity projects in Eurasia, including the potential use of the of the Northern Sea Route. Energy cooperation, including in nuclear energy, remains a key element of the privileged strategic partnership.

The global dimension of the Russian–Indian partnership has always been at the heart of their bilateral relations. High-level political dialogue and cooperation under the auspices of the UN, coupled with the inherent tradition of Moscow and New Delhi to act and think globally makes the two responsible actors on the international stage. The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22–24, 2024, demonstrated Moscow and New Delhi’s serious commitment to mutual respect and understanding, equality, solidarity, transparency, inclusiveness and consensus.

The conference aims to promote all aspects of the Russian–Indian bilateral agenda, such as economy and trade, science and technology, people-to-people ties, food security and agriculture, as well as develop recommendations for the respective ministries and agencies of the two countries