Kazan, Russia(Mogadishu24)-Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and a ministerial delegation, arrived in Kazan, Russia, marking a historic moment as Ethiopia participates in the BRICS Summit for the first time since officially joining the bloc in January this year.

The 16th BRICS Summit, hosted in Russia’s fifth-largest city, has brought together leaders from across the world for three days of high-level diplomatic discussions and bilateral meetings, promoting a new vision of multilateralism.

Over 20,000 delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the event.

Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS has been a significant step in its diplomatic and economic engagements. Since joining, the country has actively participated in BRICS Members and BRICS+ platforms, strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation according to ENA.

The current BRICS members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates – together account for around 46 percent of the global population and over 36 percent of the world’s GDP.

The summit is expected to address key global issues, including economic cooperation, development, and strategic partnerships, underlining the bloc’s role in shaping a more inclusive and balanced global order.

As Ethiopia takes part in this historic summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s presence signals the country’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing cooperation within the BRICS framework.