INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – As Iran aspires to join BRICS, its foreign minister said on Friday that the Islamic Republic can be “reliable
partner” of the bloc and that its objectives are greatly “aligned” with those of group that mainly seeks to promote multilateralism
and partnership, the Tehran Times journalist reports from Cape town.BRICS currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa,
the five emerging economies in the world.Amir Abdollahian who had been invited to participate in the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers
Meeting in Cape Town said, “For the Islamic Republic of Iran, BRICS can be the next significant target of our multilateralism
policy.”Following is the full text of Amir Abdollahian's speech at the BRICS foreign ministerial meeting:I am very delighted today to
attend the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in the beautiful city of Cape Town
I would like to express gratitude to the friendly government of South Africa for the warm hospitality extended to me and the delegation of
the Islamic Republic of Iran
I would also like to thank the BRICS countries for this initiative to invite Friends of BRICS to this Meeting.The “Friends of BRICS” are
genuinely “Friends of Cooperation and Partnership”; and indeed they are “Friends of Multilateralism”
The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the pioneers of multilateralism
Our bilateral political and economic relations with the BRICS countries remain at a very good level while our trade value exceeds 30 billion
There are very important multilateral cooperation arrangements to which Iran and some of the BRICS countries are members
We will soon expand our relations with three BRICs countries; namely Russia, China and India within the framework of the Shanghai
The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa are the active members of the Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA) and are cooperating in various economic sectors
Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran, China, India, Brazil and South Africa are among like-minded and active members of the group of
developing countries called G-77.For the Islamic Republic of Iran, BRICS can be the next significant target of our multilateralism policy
This is why we are among the first states that have officially declared interest to join BRICS and its frameworks of cooperation
The large number of countries that are now interested in BRICS membership is an indication that we have made the right choice.The combined
capabilities and its serious efforts to rectify some asymmetries in the international system and strengthen multilateralism have secured an
important position for BRICS in the global relations and interactions
Such a position would certainly be further enhanced if other regional like-minded powers join the group
An extended BRICS can come up with successful patterns such as “Collective and Inclusive Governance”, “New South-South Cooperation”
and “Coalition of Emerging Economies”.The Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other like-minded and interested countries, can be a
reliable partner for BRICS in future
Having a rich experience of active participation in international bodies and initiatives; abundant energy resources; short and
cost-effective transport and transit networks; educated and skillful human workforce; eye-catching scientific and technological
achievements; and above all, strong dedication and determination for contribution into a fair world order, the Islamic Republic of Iran can
become an important partner for BRICS.Of course, the goals and objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran are so much aligned with those of
BRICS that we have already started to explore ways and means of cooperation and partnership with BRICS
We will soon organize a conference in Tehran through coordination with the embassies of BRICS countries to elaborate on existing potentials
and capacities of cooperation between Iran and BRICS
I would like to take the opportunity to invite all the BRICS countries to participate in the Tehran conference.Once again, I would like to
express my pleasure for participating in this meeting
I wish you all the best and success.
