JOHANNESBURG - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the significance of utilizing the BRICS platform to advance social, economic, and cultural development among member nations during the just-concluded 16th BRICS Summit on Thursday.

"The BRICS outreach and BRICS plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets," Ramaphosa noted.

He welcomed Russian initiatives to strengthen BRICS countries through various plans designed to improve the future of BRICS nations' transport networks and connectivity under the theme "Innovation and Digitalization of Transport."

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"These efforts will help us integrate and deepen our inter-connectedness in new and imaginative ways," Ramaphosa said, adding that the multilateral system remained the cornerstone to resolving global issues and should be safeguarded.

Ramaphosa highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to enhance the well-being of people within the BRICS bloc.

The African Union has launched an initiative to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to support the continent's economic integration, Ramaphosa said, adding that "for BRICS and friends of the BRICS, we need to use these projects to further connect the greater Global South."

Touching on global affairs, particularly the Middle East conflict, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa's concerns about the ongoing situation, saying that the world cannot sit idly by and watch it unfold.

Turning to conflicts on the African continent, Ramaphosa highlighted the war in Sudan, now in its second year, emphasizing that it should not be overlooked. He also mentioned the conflicts in the Sahel and the Great Lakes regions.

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"We must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue," he added.