Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin announced Indonesia’s new partnership with the BRICS economic bloc.
According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin, Indonesia has been granted partner status within the BRICS economic group. Russian media also reported similar designations for Malaysia and Thailand.
Pankin made this announcement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru on Thursday.
Referring to the recent BRICS Summit in Kazan, Pankin highlighted its demonstration of global support for a fairer world order, reform of international institutions, and equitable economic relationships.
He detailed the summit’s significant agreements across trade, investment, artificial intelligence, energy and climate, and logistics. He specifically confirmed Indonesia’s new role as a BRICS partner country.
Approved at the Kazan meeting, this ‘partner country’ status offers an alternative to full membership, addressing the numerous applications from over 30 nations seeking to join BRICS.
‘Partner country’ status grants consistent participation in specialized BRICS summit sessions, foreign ministers’ meetings, and other high-level events. Partners also contribute to the group’s final statements.
While Russian media attributed partner status to Malaysia and Thailand, these countries weren’t explicitly mentioned in the foreign ministry’s official statement.
Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded on January 1, 2024, to include Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier this week, Belarus, a Russian ally, also declared its official BRICS partner status, describing the organization as a cornerstone of a multipolar world offering hope for a more equitable global order.
On Thursday, Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda announced her country’s acceptance of a Russian invitation to become a BRICS partner country.
Although the complete list of aspiring partners remains unannounced, media reports suggest Algeria, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Türkiye, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are potential candidates.