BRICS is set to expand to include nine new partner countries in 2025, signaling growing global rapprochement with BRICS as more countries seek to secure ties.
BRICS to expand to include new partner countries in 2025
Several countries will gain BRICS partner status from January 1, 2025, after Russia receives the relevant confirmations, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters on Tuesday.
Ushakov, referring to the BRICS summit in Kazan, said, “One of the main outcomes of the summit was the creation of the category of BRICS partner countries and an agreement on the list of 13 invited countries,” TASS reported. Russian officials added that they have been sent to these states.
So far, willingness to become BRICS partner countries has been confirmed by Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan. “From January 1, 2025, they will officially acquire the status of BRICS partner countries. However, we expect replies from the other four countries to which we sent invitations soon,” he added.
Ushakov noted that Eritrea has shown interest in cooperation with BRICS countries, reflecting the growing number of countries seeking cooperation with it. Representatives of partner countries will be invited to important meetings such as BRICS summits and foreign ministers’ meetings. The official added, “We believe that it is right to include partners in high-level security meetings, parliamentary forums and other events.”
Regarding Russia’s chairmanship position in BRICS, Ushakov noted that Moscow is making efforts to incorporate new members into the organizational framework. He stressed that Russia needs to support the work of BRICS in an expanded manner “so that the new members of the group can harmoniously adapt to the usual arrangements and modes of interaction.” Ushakov assessed the process as successful and stressed the importance of Russia’s role in leading the bloc through the transition period.
