BY YOHANNES FENTAHUN
Ethiopia says its interest as new member of BRICS is trade, investment and strong economic cooperation,
Amb. Misganu Arga, State Minister for Foreign Affairs said this as he addressed Thursday a consultative workshop on Ethiopia's admission to BRICS with CSOs.
Commending the roles CSOs are playing for Ethiopia’s overall development, Amb. Misganu noted that since BRICS is not a treaty-based bloc, Ethiopia’s interest is to uplift its trade, investment, diplomacy and other economic advantages of mutual benefit in the international arena.
Amb. Misganu also urged CSOs to strengthen advocacy for strong global south voice and for the national interest of Ethiopia.
On his welcoming remark, the Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Fasicaw Mola, on his part said Ethiopia's admission on the BRICS is a manifestation for Ethiopia's increased acceptance in the global economic cooperation.
The forum has also discussed the way forward and establishing inter CSO-IFA working group.
While Ethiopia is a new member of the BRICS to be effective in 2024, the country has demonstrated an increased role in shaping economic and political dynamics within Africa and on the global stage.
Membership in BRICS is often influenced by geopolitical considerations, regional influence, and a shared vision of global governance and economic cooperation.
Ethiopia's growing economy, population, and strategic regional influence position it as an emerging player in international affairs and the very reason for its admission to the block.
Organized by the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations and Advocacy Center for Democracy and Development (ACDD), the workshop tabled the views and concerns of civil society organizations on Ethiopia's admission to the BRICS bloc.