Russian leader announces agreement on BRICS partner countries list

During the ceremony for presenting credentials to foreign ambassadors at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that as the chairman of BRICS, Russia is set to send an agreed-upon list of potential partner countries to the community. 

“A significant outcome of the Kazan summit was the establishment of a new category of partner states. The list of potential candidate countries to which the Russian presidency will send corresponding invitations has been finalized,” President Putin stated, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

He further added, “Upon receiving a positive response, these countries will be granted the status of BRICS partners.”

Putin also emphasized that the strategic vision of BRICS participants for a future multipolar world, which aligns with the aspirations of the majority of countries worldwide, is outlined in the Kazan Declaration approved at the summit’s conclusion.

On November 2, Kazakhstan received an invitation to become a BRICS partner during the organization’s summit in Kazan, as announced by the Russian Ambassador to Astana Alexei Borodavkin. Alongside Kazakhstan, 12 other nations have also been offered partnership status within BRICS. Borodavkin highlighted that BRICS plays a crucial role in the global transition toward a more equitable multipolar world order, commending Kazakhstan's dedication to a balanced and constructive foreign policy and its active efforts in promoting regional stability in Central Eurasia.

BRICS, founded in 2006, initially included 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, reports indicated that Azerbaijan had submitted its application to join BRICS. Furthermore, 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, which expressed Azerbaijan's interest in joining BRICS and was positively received by China.

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

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

By Tamilla Hasanova