• Russia is in regular talks with other BRICS nations regarding the group’s possible expansion.
• Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, revealed that BRICS sherpas and sous-sherpas meetings are being held to discuss issues associated with the group’s expansion.
• South Africa’s ambassador to the BRICS group has reported that 19 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc.
Russia Discussing Expansion of BRICS
A Russian official has revealed that regular discussions are being held between Russia and other BRICS member nations regarding the expansion of the economic group. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated during a news briefing on Thursday that Russia has been holding regular negotiations with its BRICS partners regarding the group’s possible expansion.
BRICS Member Countries Discuss Expansion
Zakharova explained: The entire range of issues associated with this is being discussed at BRICS sherpas and sous-sherpas meetings, and this requires a thorough analysis and delicate internal work by the five countries to reach a consensus. The Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson added that while the discussions occur regularly, it is premature to reveal any specifics about the approval procedure at this time.
Interest In Joining BLOC Expressed
Earlier this week, South Africa’s ambassador to the BRICS group, Anil Sooklal, revealed that 19 countries have expressed an interest in joining the economic bloc. “What will be discussed is the expansion of BRICS and the modalities of how this will happen,“ he said, elaborating: Thirteen countries have formally asked to join and another six have asked informally. We are getting applications to join every day.
BRIC Nations Aim To Gain Global Influence
The BRICS nations have been pushing to gain global influence and shifting away from U.S. dollar reliance. In addition, they are working on creating a common currency for member countries which could erode UDS dominance as some economists have warned .
Conclusion
Currently it is uncertain what decision will be taken but all parties involved are actively discussing possibilities for expanding their bilateral relations through increased membership into their economic bloc.