In this week’s round-up: BRICS to Pause New Admissions; BRICS, SCO nations condemn Dagestan terror attacks; US dollar’s dominance secure, BRICS see no progress on de-dollarisation, and more.
Russian airlines’ traffic to BRICS countries short of 50% of the pre-pandemic level
Russian airlines traffic between Russia and BRICS countries grew 70% last year compared to 2022 reaching 2.4 million passengers. Despite the uptick, the number is still just 48.5 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels, even though 2019 traffic numbers were affected by a ban on flights to popular Egyptian resorts.
Malaysia to apply for BRICS membership in 2025 — Foreign Minister
Malaysia will apply for BRICS membership in 2025, when the country will preside in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Brazil will have presidency in BRICS, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said.
Malaysia has BRICS ambitions, so why is Prime Minister Anwar refusing to visit Russia?
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declined repeated invites to visit Russia after warnings by his top diplomat, who says it could “create problems” as the Southeast Asian nation attempts to tread a tricky path of neutrality.
Bangladesh seeks China’s support for bid to join the BRICS alliance
Liu Jianchao, the Visiting Minister of International Relations of the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s Central Committee, reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering extensive cooperation with Bangladesh. During a courtesy call on Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban, Liu emphasised China’s dedication to bolstering development ties and assured that China would continue to support Bangladesh’s growth in various sectors.
No substitute for Asean even as South-east Asian countries express interest in joining BRICS: Vivian
Even though several South-east Asian countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, there is no substitute for Asean, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
UAE committed to strengthen tourism ties with BRICS states
Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, led the UAE delegation at the BRICS’s first tourism forum held in Moscow, with top officials calling it a “great achievement” toward easing travel formalities and boosting cooperation among the hospitality sectors of the grouping of emerging-market nations.
Russia to elaborate BRICS sports cooperation programme – minister
Russia will elaborate the framework of a sports cooperation program to lay down the rules of BRICS games hosted by the presiding country, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov said.
BRICS, SCO nations condemn Russia’s Dagestan terror attacks
In the Russian republic of Dagestan, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred on 23 June, targeting a synagogue, two Orthodox churches, and a traffic police post in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent. In response, a criminal case has been opened under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (terrorist act) and a three-day mourning period has been declared in the republic.
Phillip de Wet | North Korea is now SA’s ally-in-law, as Russia weaponises BRICS
Phillip de Wet discusses the implications of South Africa’s growing alignment with North Korea through its association with Russia within BRICS, highlighting how Russia’s influence in the group is shaping new geopolitical alliances.
Russia hopes to build relations and break stereotypes with new BRICS Tourism Cities Club
The first BRICS Tourism Forum, held in Moscow brought together over 600 leading experts and business and government representatives from the BRICS countries.
US dollar’s dominance secure, BRICS see no progress on de-dollarisation -report
The U.S. dollar remains the world’s primary reserve currency, and neither the euro nor the so-called BRICS countries have been able to reduce global reliance on the dollar, a new study by the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center shows.
Thailand, Malaysia planning to join BRICS activity – Russian presidential aide
Thailand and Malaysia are among over 30 countries that have applied to join BRICS, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said.
Sri Lanka explores joining BRICS amid faster post-debt restructuring growth hopes
Sri Lanka has been exploring plans to join BRICS, a group of the world’s major emerging economies and a cabinet subcommittee report is expected by end-June, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has said.
Turkey and BRICS: Assessing potential mutual economic benefits
As BRICS expands to challenge the Western-dominated global financial and trade order, Turkey has expressed a desire to join, which could bring significant mutual benefits for both sides.
BRICS to pause new admissions, focus on newcomers – Lavrov
The BRICS group of emerging economies has agreed by majority vote to take a pause in accepting new members in order to integrate those who have joined since the beginning of this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
