Russian President Vladimir Putin says about 30 countries are interested in joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) alliance.
Putin says a growing number of supporters and like-minded nations are aligned with BRICS principles.
Fundamental principles that underpin the BRICS collaboration include sovereign equality, respect for diverse developmental paths, mutual consideration of interests, openness, consensus-building, and a commitment to forming a multipolar international order.
He also underscored the group’s aspiration for a fair global financial and trade system and a collective approach to addressing world challenges.
“BRICS is attracting an ever-increasing number of supporters and like-minded countries that share its underlying principles,” Putin said.
The Russian leader revealed plans for expanding the alliance’s reach, stating, “We will consider the degree to which many other countries, about 30 of them, are prepared to join the BRICS multidimensional agenda in one form or another.”
Last year, six new countries were admitted into the block during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg as part of phase one of its expansion. These include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia and Iran.
Argentina, under new leadership this year, rejected the invitation.
Argentinian President-elect Javier Melei’s government departed from its predecessor, who wrote a letter of motivation to join BRICS as part of phase one of the bloc’s expansion.
All-Russian Political Party member Andrey Klimov said Argentina’s decision to snub an exclusive invite to join BRICS is that country’s loss.
As BRICS gains momentum internationally, the alliance appears poised to welcome new members, signalling a commitment to a more balanced and inclusive global order.
The upcoming discussions on including partner countries are expected to shape the future of BRICS cooperation.
The focus will be on positive and constructive cooperation, emphasising foreign policy coordination, addressing global challenges, and bolstering economic partnerships.
One of the critical highlights of Russia’s chairmanship will be the consideration of additional countries expressing interest in the BRICS agenda.
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