In this week’s roundup: Venezuela has received an invitation from Russia to take part in the BRICS summit; Southeast Asia in BRICS is good for the global order; Iran’s Central Bank chief proposes FATF-like institution for BRICS; China supports Kazakhstan joining BRICS, eyes energy reserves; and more.
Russia’s central bank outlines challenges with BRICS Bridge, Swift payment alternatives
Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina noted that cooperation requires more than Russian willingness and sanctions have resulted in its partners being “under extreme increasing pressure,” according to Russian news agency TASS.
Iran’s Central Bank chief proposes FATF-like institution for BRICS
In a forward-looking proposal, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Mohammad Reza Farzin suggested the establishment of an institution akin to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) among BRICS nations.
Southeast Asia in BRICS is good for the global order
A vital region in the Global South—Southeast Asia—has long been missing from BRICS. As BRICS gelled and grew from its first summit in 2009, the region’s states watched from the sidelines. One of them—Indonesia—seriously considered joining last year at the Johannesburg summit, but ultimately chose to stay away.
Venezuela receives invitation from Russia to BRICS summit in Kazan — envoy
Venezuela has received an invitation from Russia to take part in the BRICS summit that will be held this October in Kazan, Venezuelan Ambassador to Moscow Jesus Rafael Salazar Velasquez told reporters.
China supports Kazakhstan joining BRICS, eyes energy reserves
China’s President Xi Jinping said he supports Kazakhstan joining the BRICS bloc, Chinese state media reported, as the group of developing nations mulls further expansion to rival a Western-dominated world order it sees as outdated.
Antarctic Diplomacy in a BRICS+ World
Polar parties have returned from the Indian city of Kochi, after the hosts formally concluded the business of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) on 30th May.
List of countries interested in cooperation with BRICS constantly growing — MFA
The list of developing countries interested in deepening cooperation with the BRICS association continues to grow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Russia’s BRICS sherpa Sergey Ryabkov said at the BRICS Civil Forum.
GNU and BRICS: A question of alignment and ideology
The upcoming 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in Russia from October 22 to 24, brings to the forefront questions surrounding international alliances, geopolitical strategies and ideological positions.
BRICS countries back grain exchange idea, Russia says
The BRICS group of countries have supported an initiative to set up a grain exchange, Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut said.
The exchange would allow buyers to purchase directly from producers and has been backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of a BRICS summit to be held in Russia in October.
Union Minister urges BRICS nations to prioritise sustainable lifestyles
The 10th Meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers took place in a hybrid format under the Chairship of the Russian Federation. It was the first meeting of the BRICS Environment Ministers after joining of five new members, i.e. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Russian envoy sees Tanzania’s closer ties with BRICS as inevitable
Closer ties between Tanzania and BRICS are inevitable, Russian Ambassador to the African country Andrey Avetisyan said in an interview with TASS.
India urges BRICS to ensure developing nations utilise remaining carbon space
India said BRICS nations should ensure that developing countries utilise the available carbon space and stand together to uphold the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
Here’s why India needs BRICS and Russia
When British economist Jim O’Neill first coined the acronym BRIC in 2001, he likely did not anticipate that this linguistic quip would evolve into one of the most promising formats in recent history.
Opinion: Is Thailand joining BRICS a disaster?
The Thai government controversially submitted an application to join BRICS earlier this month – is it a MISTAKE and a DISASTER?
Well, the timing was awkward, if not bad, considering that Russia, a key BRICS member, is still waging a full-scale war against Ukraine and an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin has been issued by the International Criminal Court.
Malaysia in BRICS: A potential boon for university research in South-East Asia?
Malaysia’s potential inclusion in BRICS could significantly boost university research in South-East Asia by facilitating greater access to funding and collaborative opportunities with leading institutions in member countries. This enhanced cooperation might drive innovation and elevate the region’s academic standards. Additionally, BRICS membership could attract international researchers and students, further enriching Malaysia’s research landscape and contributing to its global academic reputation.
Thailand ‘bravely’ lines up to join BRICS amid West’s confrontational narrative
Thailand has submitted a formal letter requesting to join BRICS and hopes to receive positive feedback, said Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, in a bid to become the group’s first member from Southeast Asia.
Why does a NATO member suddenly want to join BRICS?
At the beginning of this month, news of Türkiye’s desire to join BRICS drew global media attention. The announcement was made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his visit to China. “Of course, we would like to become a member of BRICS. Let’s see what we can achieve this year,” said the minister, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.
Balancing act: Can Malaysia bridge the divide as Asean navigates Brics+? — Syed Alwee Alsagoff
The rise of Brics+ presents an exciting prospect. However, as Malaysia (set to chair Asean in 2025) deepens its involvement with Brics+, a crucial question arises: how will this new partnership impact established collaborations within Asean, particularly regarding education?
Transformation of BRICS: From Symbolic Power to a Real Financial Pole in The Modern World
This year, Russia will be hosting the BRICS summit in October in Kazan. Our governmental circles, our ministries and our NGOs are all preparing for the summit. It is considered the key foreign policy event in Russia this year. The top political question could be with regards to greater solidarity between the BRICS countries in the wake of the enlargement, and as new members have been invited to join the club.
BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2024: Stepping Up to Global Challenges
In a significant display of unity and purpose, the BRICS foreign ministers gathered in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in 2024 to discuss pressing global issues and enhance cooperation among member states. The meeting underscored the group’s commitment to multilateralism, economic collaboration, and a balanced global order.
Amna Al Dahak emphasises UAE’s commitment to collaborate with BRICS on food security, trade, and environmental conservation
Amna Al Dahak has underscored the UAE’s dedication to working with BRICS nations on crucial issues such as food security, trade, and environmental conservation. By fostering collaboration in these areas, the UAE aims to contribute to global stability and sustainable development. This commitment highlights the UAE’s proactive role in addressing shared challenges and promoting mutual growth within the BRICS framework.
Call made on PM to prioritise indigenous sovereignty before deciding to join BRICS
Two indigenous people groups have called upon Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his administration to prioritise indigenous sovereignty prior to a decision on joining BRICS.
The expansion of BRICS+: More may be better
With Malaysia and Thailand expressing their intention to join BRICS+, the grouping makes solid inroads in the ASEAN region. Fellow ASEAN member Indonesia has also shown interest in joining although it has been more offhand about the matter. Moving forward, Vietnam, the Lao PDR and Cambodia could be potential candidates. Rumors have it that Türkiye is also mulling the possibility of joining BRICS+, which will not happen without complications.
BRICS+ setting a collective path towards democratic multilateralism and co-operation
As the BRICS ministers of foreign affairs/international relations met in Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation, the triple challenges of unprecedented wars threatening to implode into global conflict, climate change and the structural systemic economic challenges emanating from historical marginalisation and hegemonic domination of the Global South weighed heavily on their thinking.
