Ethiopia's entry into the BRICS bloc signifies a strategic move towards diversifying partnerships, not abandoning traditional allies, according to Ambassador Leulseged Tadesse.
Speaking exclusively to Viory News Agency on the final day of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Ethiopian ambassador to Brazil emphasised the country's commitment to broadening its international collaborations.
"Ethiopia joined the BRICS family to diversify our partnerships," Ambassador Tadese stated. "We have strong partnerships with all BRICS members and other partner countries. Joining BRICS provides an additional platform to enhance and consolidate economic ties in trade, investment, tourism, and development finance."
The ambassador stressed that this diversification is not an act of exclusion. "We are not opening one door and closing another. We continue to have partnerships with our traditional partners and will continue to consolidate our economic partnerships with BRICS members and partners," he clarified. The summit, he noted, provided further opportunities to strengthen these relationships.
"Our focus will continue to be working closely with all BRICS members and partners to deliver concrete results for our people. We have very good relations with all BRICS members and partners. We have robust economic ties with most BRICS members, particularly with China. Our trade, investment, and tourism partnerships with China are very strong, and we aim to deepen these relationships with all BRICS members,” he added.
Beyond economic cooperation, Ambassador Leulseged highlighted a second key objective of Ethiopia's BRICS membership: advocating for reform within the international system.
He emphasised the need for a reformed UN Security Council that accurately reflects the global power dynamics of the 21st century.
"The current arrangement and composition of the Security Council don't reflect the 21st century," he stated. "It lacks unity and has become ineffective in taking concrete actions to address current demands in peace and security. The Security Council repeatedly fails to fulfil its mandate regarding Africa, yet Africa lacks permanent representation on the Security Council. This must change."
He reiterated the message delivered by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali: Africa needs full representation within the UN Security Council to ensure its legitimate aspirations are appropriately addressed. The current structure, Ambassador Leulseged asserted, prevents the effective articulation and fulfilment of African interests and needs on global security issues. The lack of a permanent African seat, he argued, is a significant impediment to addressing critical peace and security challenges impacting the continent.
The Ambassador's comments underscore Ethiopia's strategic vision in joining BRICS. The move, he explained, is aimed at bolstering economic growth and international influence, a strategy that complements, rather than replaces, existing partnerships.
The call for UN Security Council reform reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to a more equitable and representative global governance structure, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape and advocating for a greater voice for African nations on critical international issues. The ambassador concluded by reiterating Ethiopia's commitment to deepening its relationships with BRICS members while maintaining its existing alliances, underscoring a balanced approach to foreign policy.