Question NW1150 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
13 April 2023 - NW1150
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether she will confirm if the Government intends to host Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin, at the 15th BRICS summit to be held from 22 to 24 August 2023 in Durban, following reports that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for him, as the Republic is set to host the leaders of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the People’s Republic of China, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
On 25 January 2023, President Ramaphosa in his capacity as the Chair of BRICS, signed letters inviting the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the President of the Russian Federation, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, to the Fifteenth BRICS Summit to be held in-person in South Africa from 22 to 24 August 2023.
On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued a Press Release stating that it had issued a warrant of arrest for Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Cabinet is currently seized with this matter.