The BRICS alliance has officially expanded its partnership to include 13 new nations during the recent summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024.
Although these countries are not full members, their inclusion marks a significant step in the bloc’s efforts to enhance economic integration with emerging economies.
READ ALSO: Shettima to represent Tinubu at BRICS Summit in South Africa
The summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” was the sixteenth annual gathering of BRICS, focusing on fostering cooperation among leading emerging market economies. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the bloc announced, “BRICS officially adds 13 new nations to the alliance as partner countries (not full members).” The countries added are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Confirming Nigeria’s status as a partner in BRICS, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Yes. It is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.” This aligns with previous statements from Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, who indicated in November 2023 that Nigeria intends to join BRICS as a full member within the next two years, leveraging its large economy and population.
BRICS, initially an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 to include South Africa, forming what is now known as BRICS. Earlier in 2024, the group welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as full members, who participated fully in this year’s summit.
The organization aims to promote trade, investment, development, security, and cooperation among its members, reflecting a growing commitment to multilateralism in addressing global challenges.
