South Africa says BRICS’ expansion will give developing countries a stronger collective voice in addressing global issues.

Ronald Lamola, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said on Friday that the group’s expanded membership would also help advance common positions on reforming global institutions.

Mr Lamola said this in an interview with the South African Government News Agency ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for New Delhi, India.

He acknowledged that reaching consensus could become more challenging as membership increased but said the broader representation also created opportunities for more countries to contribute to the group’s agenda.

“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,’’ he said.

According to Mr Lamola, BRICS members have recorded broad convergence on issues such as reform of the global financial architecture, reform of the United Nations Security Council and climate change adaptation.

On the Israel-Iran conflict, he said BRICS members had yet to reach agreement but expressed optimism that the summit could encourage greater support for principles recognised under international law.

He cited respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, as key principles of the UN Charter.

“I believe this meeting can achieve that goal. Even during the foreign ministers’ meetings, these were issues on which there was largely agreement,” Mr Lamola said.

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday.

The summit is being held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.

(Xinhua/NAN)