The number of countries looking to be included in the BRICS group is growing.
South African International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says around 36 countries have submitted applications to join BRICS.
These include several developing countries from Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. The latest of which is Cameroon.
Russian Ambassador Georgi Todua has confirmed the country’s interest in joining the alliance and says Cameroon already has significant and diverse ties with numerous BRICS members including China, India, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, and Russia.
China and Russia see the growth of the BRICS alliance as a step in the right direction as they pursue a change in the international system, dominated by the United States.
For Russia, as chair of BRICS+ this year, expanding the alliance also serves its own economic and diplomatic interests, after being shunned by the West since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The BRICS annual summit will likely take place in Russia this year in October, presenting Russian President Vladimir Putin with the opportunity to interact with several world leaders, as a key player on the diplomatic stage.
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