BRICS say further expansion is not appropriate for now — Lavrov – Russian Politics & Diplomacy

UNITED NATIONS, September 28. /TASS/. All current BRICS member countries now consider that it is not possible to admit new members, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference following his participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Regarding the prospects for BRICS expansion, at this stage all affiliated countries consider it reasonable not to make new decisions at this time and to adapt the organization, an association of members sharing the same ideas were five, now we are Tenth, of course, this requires a certain habit and a smooth entry of new members into the work, in accordance with the traditions that the quintet has developed over the years,” said M. . Lavrov.

He added that at the next BRICS summit in Kazan, some proposals would be presented on what form the organization’s new partner countries could take. More than 20 countries wish to become partners and around ten others wish to maintain permanent contacts.

“I am not able to predict what kind of agreement could be reached, but it will be announced, of course,” Lavrov added.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining the group in 2011. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates , Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia became full members. The main event this year, under the Russian presidency, will be the Kazan summit from October 22 to 24.