Russian President Aide: BRICS leaders to discuss expansion of union at summit in Kazan
The BRICS leaders will study the issue of expanding the association at the summit in Kazan (Russia) – as noted by Aide to the Russian President for Foreign Policy Yuri Ushakov, TASS reports
“As for the new possible wave of expansion of the association, there are different points of view on this issue. And so far, we do not have a single approach within the framework of the association,” Mr. Ushakov noted.
He stressed that some of the current BRICS members believe ‘that it is better to stop at the top ten and postpone expansion’, while others support further expansion and even name specific countries for membership.
“I would like to underline that the doors of BRICS are open for like-minded states that share the basic principles and goals of our association,” Mr. Ushakov stressed.
The Kremlin representative said that 34 countries are already interested in joining BRICS in one form or another, “At present, 34 applications have been received, i.e., 34 states are interested in full-scale membership or are keen on some form of co-operation.”
Mr. Ushakov added that invitations to participate in the BRICS summit have been sent to 38 countries, and 32 of them have already confirmed their participation. He stressed that the states wishing to take part in the summit have been and continue to be under pressure.
The Russian Presidential Aide summarised that Moscow views BRICS as a prototype of a multipolar world, a structure that unites the Global South and East on the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect.
