The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued a statement, welcoming its full membership of the BRICS and emphasizing the country's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable global order through multilateral cooperation.
Its statement came after Brazil, as the BRICS chair this year, announced one day earlier that Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
In the statement, the ministry also noted that Indonesia aims to make active contributions to the BRICS agenda, which focuses on a range of global challenges, including enhancing economic resilience, fostering technological collaboration, promoting sustainable development, and addressing such critical issues as climate change, food security, and public health.
"Looking ahead, Indonesia is committed to working alongside all BRICS members and other relevant parties to help build a just, peaceful, and prosperous world," said Roy Soemirat, spokesman of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry.
As an Indonesian expert in trade, Richard Tan L. Ch, executive chairman of the Association of Indonesia-China Economic, Social and Culture Cooperation, expressed optimism about Indonesia's future within the BRICS framework and said the BRICS membership will bring new development opportunities to the nation.
"This is a proud moment for Indonesia. By joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, Indonesia will demonstrate its commitment [to international affairs] on a new platform. I hope this will also help our country develop a better future," he said.
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging markets with considerable economic potential.
Indonesia becomes full BRICS member, pledges to make active contribution
Indonesia becomes full BRICS member, pledges to make active contribution
Indonesia becomes full BRICS member, pledges to make active contribution
China's manned space program is a "relay" of mission and responsibilities between generations of astronauts, said Li Cong, one of the Shenzhou-18 trio at a press conference Wednesday, when sharing his experience of "joining forces" with crew members of Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 in China's Tiangong space station.
During their mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew relayed with other Chinese astronauts twice. On April 26, 2024, the Shenzhou-17 crew welcomed the Shenzhou-18 crew to board the Tiangong space station. Half a year later, On Oct 30, the Shenzhou-18 crew "hosted" the next generation of Chinese astronauts, the Shenzhou-19 crew, at the Tiangong tation, marking the fifth "joining forces" of Chinese astronauts in space.
"The manned space program is a relay. It is the accumulated experiences of multiple missions, and the vitality brought by generations of newcomers, that drive the development of our great cause for a better future. Now, the 'relay baton' is handed to our crew. Standing on the shoulders of giants, our 'starting line' is getting higher, and the challenges are also piling up. As the saying goes, there is no 'best', but only a 'better,'" said Li.
"The two times of 'joining forces' shared similarities. We were handing down responsibilities, missions, and the spirit of the manned space program. But there was a difference: to join forces with the Shenzhou-17 crew, we were taking over the space relay baton of our 'Shenzhou family,' thinking more of how to run our leg of the race well, and were filled with responsibilities and expectations. While joining forces with the Shenzhou-19 crew, we were handing over the baton, thinking how to help them quickly adapt to space life and start working faster, our hearts filled with both hopes and reluctance to leave. Every space meeting with other crews was unforgettable, with the reluctance and sadness when parting, but also the joy and happiness of coming together. This is wonderful. As always, China's space Program is always worth looking forward to," he said.
Shenzhou-18 astronaut compares China's manned space program to "relay"
