BRICS welcomes new partners starting January 2025, extends invitations to four more countries

From January 1, 2025, BRICS will welcome new members with invitations extended to four additional countries, according to Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"From January 1, 2025, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan will join BRICS as partner states, having confirmed their agreement to acquire this status, " the ministry stated, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Invitations to join the partner category have been sent to four more countries.

Brazil's BRICS presidency will announce the acquisition of partner status by the listed countries as soon as they respond. "We plan to build close cooperation with partner countries to involve them as effectively as possible in collaboration within the association," the ministry added.

The BRICS group was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2011. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia became members of the group. The 16th BRICS summit took place in Kazan from October 22 to 24 this year, marking a key event during Russia's presidency in the association.

In addition to the leaders of member states, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from several countries not part of BRICS, such as Türkiye and Palestine, were also present.

By Aghakazim Guliyev