Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia: Nearly 20 countries on the BRICS candidate list
On June 15th local time, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riyabkov stated that there are currently nearly 20 countries on the BRICS candidate list.
According to the website of "Russia Today" on the 16th, Riyabkov revealed this number on the 15th.
Riyabkov also stated that the BRICS countries were initially established as informal clubs for developing countries, and "they are playing an increasingly important role on the international stage.". The BRICS countries oppose the idea that some countries should lead others, but believe that the agenda should be determined based on consensus.
Russian media commented that the BRICS countries are committed to building financial infrastructure for international trade and project development, which will not rely on institutions influenced by the United States and other Western countries. In addition, member countries advocate for gradually abandoning the use of the US dollar in bilateral trade. Officials have stated that the United States has "weaponized" its control over global reserve currencies and used unilateral economic sanctions to achieve geopolitical goals.
According to a report in the French newspaper "The Speech" on the 12th, French President Macron had a phone call with South African President Ramaphosa, the rotating chair of the BRICS countries, earlier this month, proposing France's idea of participating in this year's BRICS summit. African media reported that Ramaphosa was "quite surprised" by the request, and if Macron participates, he will become the first leader among the G7 countries to attend the BRICS summit. In addition, Macron recently made statements opposing NATO's opening of an office in Tokyo, which has attracted some public attention.