Cuba and Bolivia are poised to become the latest nations to join the BRICS group as partner states, effective from January 1, 2025, according to the BRICS administration. The announcement was made during an interview with Izvestia newspaper on Friday.
The countries invited to join the BRICS as ”partner states” include Turkey, Indonesia, Algeria, Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabko expressed confidence in the integration process, stating, “We are confident that everything will work out in terms of their joining the group as partners.” This development comes after both countries received formal invitations to join the bloc, which has expanded its global influence.
The decision to grant ’partner country’ status was solidified during the BRICS summit in October in Kazan, Russia. This new status was introduced in response to over 30 countries expressing interest in joining the organization.
Under Russia’s rotating presidency, the summit highlighted the group’s intent to broaden its membership base by introducing this alternative to full membership.
Initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS group expanded earlier this year to include Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Adding Cuba and Bolivia will further diversify the group’s geopolitical and economic dynamics.
Ryabkov mentioned that consultations with the newly invited nations are underway to finalize their partnership roles within BRICS.
Upcoming BRICS countries: Türkiye, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam
Alongside Cuba and Bolivia, other countries rumoured to be in line for partner status include Türkiye, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Notably, Belarus has already confirmed its acceptance of joining as a partner, and the group officially recognised Indonesia as a partner.
The diplomat noted that while the list of new partners has not been officially publicized, the discussions are in advanced stages with no rejections from the invited countries. ”This is a big, serious prospect for all the countries that have been invited,” Ryabkov emphasized, indicating that an official announcement is expected in the coming days.
Becoming a BRICS partner state grants nations the opportunity to permanently participate in special sessions of BRICS summits, foreign ministers’ meetings, and other significant events. Partners can also contribute to the group’s policy documents, influencing the collective agenda.
This expansion reflects BRICS’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global geopolitics and economics player, advocating for a more inclusive and multipolar international order.
Sources and related
- Brasil de Fato: BRICS approves Cuba, Bolivia, and 11 other countries as ’partner states’
- IOL, South Africa: Bolivia, Cuba to become BRICS partner states starting January 2025
- RT: New BRICS partner nations named
- People’s Daily: Xi calls for alignment of Belt and Road Initiative with Bolivia’s 2025 development plan
- BRICS Portal