Russia reveals that over 30 nations are pursuing deeper engagement with BRICS, aiming to finalize an expansion list by the year’s end amid unprecedented alliance growth.
Over 30 Nations Seek Stronger BRICS Ties — Russia Leads Strategic Talks
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Russia Confirms Over 30 Countries Eye Deeper BRICS Alliance
Russia plans to consult with over 30 countries interested in deeper engagement with the BRICS bloc by the year’s end, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced Wednesday at the International Customs Forum in Moscow. As the current BRICS chair, Russia will hold discussions with these nations about their potential membership, aiming to finalize and announce a list of invitees for the coming year before Jan. 1.
Emphasizing the global interest in BRICS expansion, Ryabkov was quoted by Tass as saying:
Currently, over 30 countries have expressed their desire to engage more closely with BRICS, with many indicating a strong intent to become full-fledged members.
According to Ryabkov, the BRICS leadership discussed membership criteria at the Kazan Summit. “The criteria for inviting partner states to BRICS were discussed by the leaders in Kazan, but our work is far from over,” he explained. Ryabkov confirmed that, under Russia’s presidency, BRICS will verify these nations’ interest in joining, with an announcement planned after consultations.
This proposed expansion, approved by BRICS leaders at the Kazan Summit, highlights the “remarkably unprecedented” growth of the alliance. Ryabkov noted, “It has not yet been a year since we expanded our membership, and the simultaneous doubling of participants since January 1 this year is truly unprecedented in any international structure.” He attributed the increased attraction to BRICS’ cooperative structure, stating that new members are adapting smoothly and share core values.
Ryabkov expressed optimism that BRICS’ values will strengthen through this expansion, adding:
The BRICS nations are motivated by mutual respect, with a clear understanding that there is no room for diktats in international relations; there are no leaders and followers. This dynamic enhances the attractiveness of BRICS.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of integration efforts, emphasizing: “The process is proceeding successfully, and we are grateful to all countries that have joined the association for their support of Russia’s presidency and our constructive, efficient collaborative efforts.”
