Venezuela Among Seven Nations Applying to Join BRICS in 2024 as Bloc Continues Expansion
The BRICS bloc is poised for yet another significant expansion, marking the second consecutive year of its enlargement efforts. This week alone, seven major nations have formally applied to join the economic alliance, attracting global attention following the bloc’s Foreign Minister Meeting earlier this month.
Venezuela’s Intent to Join BRICS
Venezuela is the latest country to express its intention to join BRICS. Delcy Rodriguez, the nation’s Executive Vice President, declared that Venezuela is "on the doorstep of joining the BRICS group of nations," during an economic seminar broadcasted from Caracas. The announcement underscores Venezuela’s ambition to be part of what it perceives as a new geopolitical reality.
Source: Mikhail Metzel / TASS
Unprecedented Interest in BRICS Membership
The interest in joining BRICS isn’t limited to Venezuela. The bloc has received applications from Thailand, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Venezuela within a single week, as these countries seek to align with BRICS amidst shifting global economic dynamics. This follows the remarkable 2023 annual summit where BRICS extended membership invitations to six countries—four of which accepted: Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, expanding the grouping to nine member countries.
Rodriguez remarked on Venezuela’s potential membership as a pivotal moment in the "creation of the new world order," highlighting a shared aspiration to be involved in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Source: AFP
Global Implications of BRICS Expansion
The bloc’s increased influence, especially in Asia, can be largely attributed to efforts led by Russia and China. Both President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have engaged in diplomatic missions across Southeast Asia, fostering ties and bolstering support for BRICS. This diplomatic push has seen Thailand and Malaysia express their official intent to join BRICS, paving the way for these nations to be considered for membership during the 2024 annual summit scheduled for October.
Pakistan’s Aspirations
Pakistan has also thrown its hat into the ring. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed publicly shared the country’s aspirations to join BRICS, making him the first Pakistani official to articulate this desire on a public platform.
The potential expansion of BRICS illustrates an evolving global economic order where countries seek alliances beyond traditional Western-dominated structures. As such, the 2024 annual BRICS summit is anticipated with great interest, as it could herald another phase of significant geopolitical shifts.
For further details, you can read the full article on the Watcher Guru website.
