Expanded BRICS offers opportunity to strengthen consensus: South African FM

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said Friday that the expansion of BRICS provides an opportunity for developing countries to strengthen their collective voice in global affairs.

People walk past Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the 18th BRICS Summit, in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

In an interview with the South African Government News Agency ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, Lamola said the larger membership could help advance the grouping's positions on the reform of global institutions and issues of common interest.

"It is always a challenge when the grouping becomes larger, but it can also be an opportunity because it means more countries have a voice and can help advance the message that we are promoting," Lamola said.

Lamola said BRICS members had broad convergence on key priorities, including reform of the global financial architecture, reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and climate change adaptation.

While members had not reached agreement on the Israel-Iran conflict, Lamola said the Summit could provide a platform to encourage support for positions long upheld in international law, including the principles of the UN Charter on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue.

"I believe this meeting can achieve that goal. Even during the Foreign Ministers' meetings, these were issues on which there was largely agreement," he said.

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."