Ushakov pointed to the openness of the BRICS grouping

The BRICS association is open to like-minded people who want to join it. This was announced by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov on December 23.

"I would like to emphasize that the doors of the association remain open for our like-minded people to join," he said at a briefing.

Ushakov emphasized that BRICS not only plays an increasing political role in international affairs, but also builds authority in the sphere of economy, finance, responding to climate challenges and strengthening food and energy security.

He reminded that on the eve of the BRICS summit in Kazan, which took place from October 22 to 24, 35 applications were received to join the work of the association. According to the presidential aide, more than 20 countries, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Pakistan, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Bahrain, Republic of Congo, etc., are currently interested in dialog with the association.

At the same time, Ushakov noted that BRICS expansion requires gradual, coherent and beneficial steps.

Southern Collective: Bolivia and Cuba to become BRICS partners from January 1

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the other states had also accepted the invitation

During the "Results of the Year" December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the BRICS work is not directed against the West. He noted that the association works for the interests of its own and the member states.

BRICS is an interstate association of countries. The last summit at the level of heads of its member states was held in Johannesburg in August 2023. Following its results, the BRICS members decided on a historic expansion. On January 1, 2024, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were joined by Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia and the UAE.