In January 2024, Ethiopia, alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, officially joined BRICS following the approval of their applications at the BRICS leaders’ summit held in South Africa in August 2023.
Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elio Rodriguez Perdomo, has expressed strong confidence in Ethiopia’s potential to make valuable contributions to the BRICS group. In an interview with Ethiopian media, Perdomo emphasized Ethiopia’s significant role as both a regional and global player and anticipated positive impacts from its new membership.
Perdomo, noting Cuba’s longstanding friendship with Ethiopia, views the latter’s inclusion in BRICS as a beneficial development. He highlighted the shared interests and challenges faced by BRICS nations, particularly those in the Global South, and believes that Ethiopia’s membership will bolster the group’s capacity to address these issues effectively.
During the BRICS summit in South Africa last year, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez held a productive meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Both leaders committed to enhancing bilateral relations and supporting Ethiopia’s role within BRICS.
It is important to note that while Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE were admitted to BRICS at the South Africa summit, Cuba’s application remains under consideration for future expansions of the group.
