Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Johannesburg, according to an announcement by the Office of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Instead, the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The summit, scheduled to take place from August 22 to 24, will see the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa in attendance.
"By mutual agreement, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit. The Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov," stated the official statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa's office.
Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of South Africa's African National Congress party, stated on July 16 that South African authorities are unsure whether Putin will attend the BRICS summit. Mbalula referred to the issuance of an arrest warrant for the Russian president by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and mentioned that South Africa, being an ICC member, acknowledges its obligations. He further added that the South African government is working towards resolving the situation. Mbalula emphasized that "President Ramaphosa, who is engaged in consultations, will make the final decision in the best interest of South Africa and the BRICS, and announce it accordingly."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS