Cuba Joins BRICS

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

17 March 2025 

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, hosted his Cuban counterpart, Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, for high-level bilateral talks in Pretoria on Monday, 10 March 2025. The discussions sought to reinforce the long-standing strategic partnership between South Africa and Cuba, fostering deeper cooperation in various sectors.

The meeting follows fruitful discussions held between the two Ministers on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. The bilateral engagements reaffirmed the deep cultural, historical, and political ties between South Africa and Cuba, rooted in shared struggles, international solidarity, and a joint commitment to advancing the development agenda of the Global South.

Minister Lamola highlighted the significance of Cuba’s recent admission as a partner country of the BRICS+ bloc in January 2025, describing it as a major milestone for South-South cooperation. “BRICS cooperation provides opportunities for solidarity and collaboration among Global South countries,” Lamola stated. The two nations committed to developing mechanisms to exchange capabilities and best practices in critical sectors, including agriculture, biotechnology, defence, education, health, infrastructure development, and engineering. They also agreed to transform their deep-rooted political and historical relations into stronger trade and economic ties.

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During his visit, Minister Rodríguez paid homage to South Africa’s liberation struggle by visiting Freedom Park in Pretoria. He laid a wreath at the Wall of Names in honor of those who fought against apartheid and colonial oppression. His visit highlighted Cuba’s unwavering support for South Africa’s liberation movement, dating back to its significant contribution to the defeat of apartheid and colonialism.

Minister Rodríguez also engaged with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Friends of Cuba Society, further reinforcing the ideological and solidarity-driven relationship between the two nations. Both groups have been vocal supporters of Cuba, particularly in calling for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, as well as Cuba’s removal from the list of states that supposedly sponsor terrorism. Minister Rodríguez expressed gratitude for South Africa’s firm stance on these issues, emphasizing the need for global unity against economic sanctions that disproportionately affect developing nations.

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The longstanding bilateral collaboration between South Africa and Cuba is multifaceted, with a range of agreements covering key areas such as health, public works, education, and water and sanitation. The two countries’ foreign policies are closely aligned, advocating for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, multilateralism, adherence to international law, and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security.

Minister Rodríguez’s visit to South Africa was part of a broader African tour that included stops in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. His engagements across the continent reflect Cuba’s deepening commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and fostering solidarity among the countries of the Global South.