Nine nations will join the BRICS group as partner states starting January 1st, according to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president.
Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, announced that nine countries will become official BRICS partner states in January. He added that the economic bloc welcomes like-minded partners.
This new “partner country” designation, approved at the October BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, offers an alternative to full membership following over 30 applications. Partner status grants consistent participation in special BRICS summit sessions, foreign ministers’ meetings, and other high-level events. Partners also contribute to the group’s official statements.
During a Monday press briefing, Ushakov emphasized the significance of this partner status, listing Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan as the initial nine partner states, effective January 1st. Four additional countries, also invited to partner status, are expected to confirm their participation shortly.
BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded earlier this year to include Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Ushakov cited Riyadh officials, stating that Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended its BRICS membership application due to incomplete internal procedures required for full membership.
The Kremlin aide noted that 35 applications for various levels of BRICS involvement were received before the Kazan Summit. He explained that some sought full membership, while others desired observer status in specific events.
Ushakov stated that over two dozen countries currently express interest in collaborating with BRICS. These include Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Honduras, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Colombia, the Republic of Congo, Laos, Kuwait, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Syria, Chad, Sri Lanka, Equatorial Guinea, and South Sudan.
Ushakov highlighted BRICS’ growing influence in global politics, as well as its strengthened authority in economics, finance, climate action, and global food and energy security.