Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed his country’s readiness to become an active member of the BRICS group of countries during the bloc’s annual summit in Kazan. He stated that Belarus shares the philosophy of BRICS and is coming forward with specific ideas and projects to contribute to the union. BRICS, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. However, while Moscow aims to position BRICS as a counterbalance to Western power, not all members share Russia’s hard line, such as Brazil and India.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov anticipated that Minsk’s membership application to BRICS would be approved during the summit in Kazan. This indicates Belarus’s eagerness to be a part of the union and actively contribute to its initiatives and projects. It aligns with Belarus’s desire to engage more closely with other countries on a global scale and create beneficial partnerships within the BRICS framework. With 13 countries applying to become BRICS partner states, there is a growing interest and recognition of the union’s potential for collaboration and cooperation.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated earlier this week that a total of 13 countries have submitted applications to join BRICS as partner states. This demonstrates the increasing appeal and relevance of BRICS as a platform for international cooperation and dialogue among diverse nations worldwide. The expansion of BRICS to include new member states reflects a broader recognition of the group’s significance in shaping global affairs and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among nations with different backgrounds and interests.
In addition to Belarus, Laos also announced its intention to seek membership in BRICS during the summit in Kazan. This further expands the potential for collaboration and partnership within the union, as more countries express interest in joining and contributing to the group’s objectives and initiatives. The addition of Laos and potentially other new member states highlights the growing impact and influence of BRICS on the global stage, as it evolves into a significant player in international relations and economic development.
The inclusion of Belarus and potentially Laos in BRICS signifies a broadening of the union’s membership base and geographical representation, enhancing its capacity to address diverse global challenges and opportunities. By welcoming new members with unique perspectives and priorities, BRICS can foster greater innovation and cooperation in addressing pressing issues such as economic development, environmental sustainability, and international security. The expansion of BRICS reflects the evolving dynamics of global governance and the increasing importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex and interconnected global issues.
Overall, the participation of Belarus and Laos in BRICS signals a growing recognition of the union’s role in promoting international cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding among nations. As more countries express interest in joining BRICS and contributing to its objectives, the group’s influence and impact on global affairs are likely to continue expanding. By expanding its membership and engaging with a diverse range of countries, BRICS can further enhance its capacity to address complex challenges and foster sustainable development and prosperity on a global scale.
