The Kremlin: BRICS’ influence is growing on the world stage
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that the interest of other countries to join the BRICS group is evidence of the bloc’s growing influence on the world stage, but indicated differences over a possible expansion of the group ahead of a summit of its members.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the five member states – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – were scheduled to meet in Johannesburg from August 22-24 and the issue of possible expansion would be high on the agenda.
“This is a very important topic, because we see that more and more countries are issuing statements of their intention to join BRICS,” Peskov told reporters.
“Overall, this interest in BRICS reveals the remarkable potential capabilities of the group, its growing influence and, above all, its actual importance,” he explained.
South Africa said last month that more than 40 countries had expressed interest in joining the group aimed at combating the perceived control of the West, led by the United States, over international affairs.
South Africa added that out of 40 countries, 22 have formally requested accession.
Peskov noted that there were what he said were minor disagreements within the group over a possible increase in its membership.
“All these minor differences will, of course, be discussed during the next summit, and the leaders of the countries will talk about their positions,” he said.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, using more guarded language about the idea of accepting new members, spoke at a news conference in June after ministers from the group’s member states met.
He spoke of the need to take care of what he described as an identity and value, which he said represents 31.5% of the world’s gross domestic product and 40% of the Earth’s population, adding that discussions on expanding the group are a work in progress.
According to recent information, the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia at the Johannesburg summit, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate via video call after he decided not to attend the summit due to the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court alleging Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine, which Moscow denies.
South Africa is a member state of the International Criminal Court.
