Members of the BRICS group, led by Russia and China, are studying the accession of 15 countries as partners, the Kremlin’s advisor for international affairs, Yuri Ushakov, revealed this Sunday.
“The (BRICS) leaders will decide which group of countries could be included in the category of partner states. They are currently considering 15,” Ushakov told the TASS agency, commenting on the BRICS leaders’ agenda during the summit to be held next week, in the Russian city of Kazán.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had already stated that around 30 countries had shown interest in joining the BRICS, made up of nine countries, in one way or another.
Among the states that have publicly expressed interest in joining the group are Cuba, Venezuela, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Malaysia.
Brazil, Russia, India and China created the BRICS group in 2006, which South Africa joined in 2010, adding the letter ‘S’ to the acronym. In 2024 the group included four new members: Egypt, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.
Saudi Arabia is considering its participation as a full member, a situation that could be clarified during the meeting in Kazán, which is expected to bring together more than 20 heads of state and government, including the leaders of member countries, with the majority will have meetings with the head of the Kremlin.
The next BRICS summit will take place between October 22nd and 24th in the Russian city of Kazan. During the summit, the leaders of member countries will define the criteria for other nations to join the bloc in the special category of associated partners. During the meeting, Brazil will assume leadership of the BRICS for one year, starting on January 1, 2025.
Brazil, Russia, India and China created the BRIC group in 2006, to defend greater representation of emerging and developing countries in international organizations. South Africa’s accession in 2010 added the letter S to the acronym.
Source: www.jornaldenegocios.pt
