In the upcoming month, leaders from both BRICS member states and aspiring nations are slated to converge for a pivotal summit in Kazan, Russia. One notable development ahead of this gathering is Cuba’s formal application to join BRICS as a partner state. This announcement was made by Carlos Pereira, a senior official at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration in global geopolitics. The Cuban ambassador to Russia, Viktor Coronelli, indicated that President Vladimir Putin invited Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to attend the summit, highlighting the importance both nations place on enhancing their diplomatic ties. Pereira referred to BRICS as “a key actor” and a source of hope for countries in the South, reflecting Cuba’s aspirations to align more closely with this influential coalition.
BRICS, originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later expanded to include South Africa in 2011. Recently, the group has seen an influx of new members, such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates—countries that officially joined this year. Notably, Saudi Arabia is in the process of finalizing its membership. This expansion suggests that BRICS is increasingly viewed as a significant player in global economic and political dynamics. The Russian envoy to Cuba also expressed anticipation for a Cuban delegation’s presence at the Kazan summit, indicating that strong interest is expected from both existing and prospective members of the alliance.
The growing interest in BRICS was underscored by Putin’s remarks during a recent meeting of security representatives in St. Petersburg, where he disclosed that 34 nations have expressed a desire to participate in BRICS activities. This surge in interest reflects broader geopolitical shifts, as non-Western countries seek alternative alliances and platforms for cooperation. The Kazan summit, scheduled from October 22 to 24, aims to discuss granting partner status to some of these applicant states, potentially paving the way for further integration into the BRICS framework. Such partner status represents a new tier of partial membership, which could help aspiring countries transition gradually toward full integration into the group.
Cuba’s application is part of a broader trend, with various countries seeking to join BRICS, including Belarus, Türkiye, and several others such as Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Vietnam among many. The inclusion of Belarus was specifically mentioned by Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov, who suggested that at least ten new members might be admitted during the Kazan summit. Türkiye’s application is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first NATO country attempting to join BRICS, highlighting a potential shift in geopolitical alliances. The wide array of interested nations illustrates the growing perception of BRICS as a viable alternative for countries seeking to enhance their global presence and influence.
With the existing BRICS member states accounting for approximately 28% of the world’s nominal gross domestic product, the bloc’s expanding economic clout is becoming increasingly relevant. In this context, Putin announced initiatives aimed at creating an independent payment and settlement system among BRICS nations. This initiative aims to facilitate foreign trade transactions in a more efficient and autonomous manner, thereby reducing reliance on Western financial systems. Such measures reflect an intent to bolster economic interdependence among BRICS countries, enhancing their collective bargaining power in global markets and promoting greater financial autonomy.
As the Kazan summit approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation regarding the potential outcomes concerning new partnerships and collaborations. For Cuba, joining BRICS signifies a strategic move to strengthen its international standing and align with a group seen as a platform for developing nations. Meanwhile, the collective aspirations of various other countries propose a future where BRICS could evolve into a formidable coalition capable of influencing global policies and economics. The summit serves not only as a venue for discussions about membership but also as a reflection of shifting geopolitical landscapes, where emerging powers look to reshape the existing order in favor of a more multipolar world. The developments during this summit may very well define the trajectory for BRICS and its role in global affairs in the years to come.
