A South African diplomat confirmed to Russian media that Saudi Arabia has not yet finalised its membership in the BRICS economic and political coalition. Speaking to the Russian news agency Tass, South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Geoff Maqetuka explained that Saudi Arabia is still in the process of deliberating its participation, both as a nation state and in consultation with the BRICS leadership.
Maqetuka indicated that Saudi Arabia’s decision regarding BRICS membership is still pending and may become clearer as the summit in Kazan approaches. He affirmed South Africa’s readiness for Saudi Arabia’s potential inclusion. The 2024 BRICS summit is anticipated to be held in Kazan, Russia.
In 2023, BRICS extended invitations to six nations to join its alliance. Among these, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accepted the invitations. However, Argentina, the fifth nation invited, declined the offer following the election of President Javier Milei in November. Maqetuka confirmed that the four new members are now fully integrated into the coalition, while Argentina has officially withdrawn from the membership process as of February.
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Saudi Arabia: A special report
