Pakistan relies on Russia’s support for BRICS membership in 2024

MOSCOW: Pakistan has officially applied to join the BRICS group of nations in 2024 and is banking on Russia’s support throughout the membership process, according to Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s recently appointed Ambassador to Russia.

Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, in an exclusive interview, Ambassador Jamali shared that Pakistan aims to become a member of the BRICS organization next year, particularly under Russia’s presidency. He emphasised that Islamabad is actively reaching out to member countries to garner support for its membership but is particularly reliant on assistance from the Russian Federation.

“Pakistan would like to be part of this important organisation, and we are in the process of contacting member countries for extending support to Pakistan’s membership in general and the Russian Federation in particular,” explained Jamali.

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When asked about the status of Islamabad’s BRICS membership bid, Ambassador Khalid Jamali affirmed that Pakistan has already submitted its application. Responding to another query, the diplomat confirmed that Islamabad’s plan is to formally join the BRICS group next year.

BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established in 2010, with its member nations seeking a greater influence in a global order traditionally dominated by the United States and its Western allies.

The 15th BRICS Summit in August this year saw South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extend invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join the organization, with their full membership set to commence on January 1, 2024.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov disclosed last month that BRICS is gearing up to finalise a list of candidates for partner-state status ahead of the upcoming summit in Kazan. He stressed that, under Russia’s chairmanship, special attention would be given to broadening the “circle of BRICS friends.”