According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, it's premature to identify potential candidates for the next phase of BRICS expansion. He explained that there will be a need for a period of harmonization with the new member states of the association. Ryabkov made these remarks during a press conference discussing the outcomes of the BRICS summit held in the Republic of South Africa.
"I wouldn't venture to name potential candidates for the next wave at this moment," he stated. "Firstly, the current initial group comprises six countries, which exceeds the 'founding five'. We must observe how this 'team' performs, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov put it. We need to assess its on-field performance and teamwork." Ryabkov emphasized, "It will require time for adaptation and the exchange of experiences. This is a normal process." He continued, "The crucial point is the presence of political determination and a resolute intention to progress."
The BRICS summit of this year took place from August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, under the leadership of South Africa. It emerged as one of the most significant gatherings of heads of state and government from the Global South in recent years. Notably, leaders from 54 African nations were among the invited participants. During the summit, an agreement was reached that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay would become part of the association starting from January 1, 2024. The forthcoming summit will see the formulation of a fresh list of potential members for consideration.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Akishin Vyacheslav/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS