Russia to reveal new list of BRICS partner countries by 2024

Russia will publish a new list of BRICS partner countries by the end of 2024, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

"I cannot comment specifically on any particular countries at the moment, because that would essentially contradict the position, or rather the line, that we have agreed upon with other BRICS members and have adhered to since Kazan," said the diplomat in an interview with Russian media, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Ryabkov, the full list will be announced by the end of Russia's presidency in BRICS.

On November 15, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin announced that Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia had become new BRICS partners.

Kazakhstan has been extended an invitation to become a partner of BRICS during the organization's summit in Kazan.

In addition to Kazakhstan, 12 other nations have also been offered partnership status within BRICS. Borodavkin emphasized that BRICS is a significant force in the global shift towards a more equitable multipolar world order. He highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to a balanced and constructive foreign policy, noting the country’s active role in fostering regional stability in Central Eurasia.

BRICS, which was established in 2006, originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining later. Starting in 2024, the group will expand to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia.

In August, it was reported that Azerbaijan had submitted its application to join BRICS. Additionally, a "Joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China" was adopted during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana on July 3. This declaration expressed Azerbaijan's interest in joining BRICS, which was positively received by China.

Sahiba Gafarova, Chairwoman of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament), reiterated this aspiration during her speech at the X BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg on July 11, confirming Azerbaijan's desire to become a full member of BRICS.

Other countries expressing interest in joining BRICS include Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Chad, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Honduras, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

By Tamilla Hasanova