Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the BRICS alliance is looking at expanding as soon as the pause in inducting new countries ends. The diplomat hinted that the BRICS bloc could induct Bangladesh next and welcome it into its fold. However, he stressed that the new induction could take time as the group expanded just two years ago.
“As for BRICS, the ten members currently comprising the group have agreed to put the admission of new members on hold for the time being, because just two years ago the number of BRICS members doubled overnight from 5 to 10, and we need a little time to adjust to the new lineup,” he said after talks with Bangladesh’s diplomat Khalilur Rahman.
Lavrov explained that Bangladesh could be welcomed into BRICS after the pause ends. “But our stance on Bangladesh’s candidature when this pause is over is as follows: we will welcome the candidature of this large and important Asian nation,” Lavrov stressed.
Not just Bangladesh, the benefits of joining BRICS are immense, said Lavrov. “A big number of countries, more than the current number of BRICS members, want to join these advantages,” he said. “We fully understand the aspirations of the applicants, including our friends from Bangladesh, who are already members and shareholders of the New Development Bank and are very pleased with such participation.”
Bangladesh & the BRICS Alliance
Bangladesh has applied for BRICS membership, but the bloc did not inducted the country. Going by Lavrov’s statements, there is a high chance that it could be a part of the alliance next. However, the expansion is based on consensus, and every member must agree to the inclusion. The next BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in India’s capital, New Delhi. The dates of the summit are yet to be announced.
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