The Kremlin assessed the situation around the integration of Saudi Arabia into BRICS

By Rhod Mackenzie

Efforts to integrate Saudi Arabia into BRICS are ongoing. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed this during his visit to Riyadh, according to Dmitry Peskov, the head of state's press secretary.
On December 6, 2023, Putin visited Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, where he met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Regarding the integration of Saudi Arabia with the BRICS countries, Putin stated that he had not heard any recent statements but emphasized the importance of the ongoing work in this area. Peskov commented on statements by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Trade at the World Economic Forum, stating that the kingdom has not officially joined BRICS.

Russia assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024. On the same day, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia officially joined the organization. Argentina, which received an offer in August 2023, refused to join the bloc after Javier Miley came to power.