President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BRICS leaders’ Summit has become an important platform for co-operation between the five BRICS countries.
He was delivering the opening address as host of the summit, which has begun at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive on Thursday morning.
Heightened security is being maintained amid expected protests at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The precinct of the Sandton Convention Centre is under lock down, with security officers maintaining strong presence in an around the summit venue.
The Muslim Lawyers Association and the South African Kashmiri Group are expected to stage protests against the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom they have accused of war crimes and human rights violations.
However, the highlight of the day will be the joint meeting between the BRICS leaders and the over 1000 business executives, an event which will culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite trade and investment flows amongst the economic grouping member countries.
BRICS leaders will tomorrow go on a retreat in Maropeng west of Johannesburg, a World Heritage site known commonly known as the cradle of humankind.
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