Pakistan Seeks BRICS Membership, Unleashing New Potential for the Group and Emerging Economies
Pakistan has officially requested to join the BRICS grouping, believing that membership is crucial for developing nations and can enhance international cooperation and multilateralism. Pakistan seeks support from member countries, particularly Russia, but the reaction from other BRICS members remains uncertain. If approved, Pakistan's membership could bring new dynamics and contribute to the objectives of BRICS.
In a significant development, Pakistan has officially requested to join the BRICS grouping, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The country believes that becoming a member of BRICS is crucial for developing nations and can contribute to international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, highlighted the friendly ties between Pakistan and most BRICS members, as well as the newly invited group of countries.
“Can confirm Pakistan has applied for BRICS membership. Believe its an important grouping of developing countries. We moved forward with the decision to apply following the Johannesburg meeting, hope BRICS will move forward on our application”, says @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/RhrXTlirSF
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) November 23, 2023
Pakistan has been actively involved in various multilateral organizations and has played a crucial role in promoting global peace and development. Baloch emphasized that Pakistan's membership in BRICS could further enhance cooperation and revitalize inclusive multilateralism. Pakistan's envoy to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, stated that the country has applied to join the BRICS group of nations in 2024, under Russia's presidency. Pakistan is seeking support from member countries, with a particular focus on securing Russia's assistance during the membership process.
The Russian official news agency, TASS, reported Jamali's intention to contact member countries to garner support for Pakistan's membership. Quoting Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, the TASS report highlighted that BRICS intends to finalize a list of partner-state candidates before the upcoming summit in Kazan in 2024. While Pakistan may count on the support of its all-weather ally, China, the reaction from the other four BRICS members – Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa – remains uncertain.
It is worth noting that Pakistan faces its worst economic and political crisis, which could impact the response from these nations towards admitting Islamabad to BRICS. However, if Pakistan's membership is approved, it could potentially bring new dynamics to the grouping and contribute to the overall objectives of BRICS in promoting cooperation and development among emerging economies.