Cuba confident in Ethiopia's ability to make significant contributions to BRICS

Ethiopia, along with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, joined BRICS in January 2024 after their applications were approved at the BRICS leaders' summit in South Africa in August 2023.

Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elio Rodriguez Perdomo, has expressed strong confidence in Ethiopia's ability to make significant contributions to the BRICS group.

In an interview with Ethiopian media, Perdomo highlighted Ethiopia's importance as both a regional and international player, anticipating positive contributions from the newly-joined nation.

According to the diplomat, Cuba, a long-time friend of Ethiopia, sees the country's membership in the BRICS as a positive development, emphasizing shared interests and challenges among BRICS nations, particularly those within the Global South.

Perdomo believes Ethiopia's presence will strengthen the group's ability to address these concerns.

During last year's BRICS summit in South Africa, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez held a successful meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and support Ethiopia's endeavours within the BRICS.

It is worth noting that Ethiopia's application to join the BRICS, along with Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, was accepted during the South Africa summit, while Cuba's application could be considered in future BRICS expansions.