Lavrov says thirty countries wish to establish partnerships with BRICS

By Rhod Mackenzie

The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that approximately 30 countries plan to establish partnerships with BRICS and strengthen their ties with the association.

On December 26, he addressed the commission of the General Council of United Russia on international cooperation.

It is natural that when BRICS operates on a democratic and mutually respectful basis, many states strive to align themselves with it.
“In addition to the countries that have already joined our association, today about three dozen states want to establish ties and partnerships with BRICS,” said Lavrov.

He noted that Russia will continue to work to ensure that BRICS strengthens its position as one of the pillars of a multipolar world.

Additionally, he mentioned Russia's chairmanship of BRICS in 2024. According to him, dozens of Russian cities will host over two hundred events on political, economic, and social topics during the Russian watch in BRICS. Additionally, decisions on key areas of cooperation are planned to be made during the summit in Kazan, as noted by the Foreign Minister.

The minister added that leaders of developing countries will participate in these formats.

BRICS is a union of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Starting from the New Year, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia will officially join the association. However, the accession of Buenos Aires after the election of President Javier Miley was in question. As Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino later stated, the country will not join BRICS on January 1.