South Africa’s minister of international relations and cooperation, Naledi Pandor, has confirmed that the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit held in Cape Town incurred expenses amounting to R9.8 million.
As per IOL, Pandor also clarified that there were no plans to relocate the summit to another country, even amid concerns regarding the potential presence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin due to ongoing International Criminal Court proceedings against him.
Also read: Putin to skip BRICS summit in South Africa amid ICC warrant concerns
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit took place in Cape Town in June and served as a preparatory event for the main summit held in August.
According to Minister Pandor, South Africa remained steadfast in its commitment to hosting the summit, whether in a hybrid digital format or as an in-person meeting, with heads of state and government in attendance.
In August, South Africa hosted the BRICS summit, with the exception of Putin. The event drew participation from more than 40 leaders representing African nations and other regions.
Responding to a written parliamentary inquiry posed by the Democratic Alliance’s Emma Powell, Minister Pandor disclosed that the cost of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit totalled R9.8 million.
‘The total costs incurred for the hosting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers were ZAR 9,848 909.51,’ said Pandor.
Pandor emphasised that relocating the BRICS summit to another country was never considered an option. Instead, the focus was on preserving South Africa as the host, given its role as the chair of BRICS in 2023.
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Various formats, including hybrid and in-person, were explored to maximise the unique opportunity presented by the expansion of the BRICS bloc and the geopolitical landscape.
Initially, there were speculations that China might serve as an alternative host due to concerns surrounding Putin’s attendance. However, Putin ultimately opted to participate virtually in the summit, dispelling the need for a venue change.
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Picture: The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa / Facebook