Ethiopia, alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, officially joined BRICS in January 2024 after their applications were approved during the BRICS leaders’ summit in South Africa in August 2023.
Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elio Rodriguez Perdomo, expressed strong confidence in Ethiopia’s potential to significantly contribute to the BRICS group. In an interview with Ethiopian media, Perdomo emphasized Ethiopia’s role as a key regional and international player, expecting positive input from the newly admitted nation.
According to the diplomat, Cuba, a long-standing ally of Ethiopia, views the country’s membership in BRICS as a favorable development, highlighting the shared interests and challenges among BRICS nations, particularly those in the Global South. He believes Ethiopia’s inclusion will enhance the group’s capacity to tackle these issues.
During last year’s BRICS summit in South Africa, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez had a productive meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, where both leaders committed to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Ethiopia’s efforts within BRICS.
It’s important to note that Ethiopia’s application to join BRICS, along with those from Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, was accepted during the South Africa summit, while Cuba’s application may be considered in future BRICS expansions.
