With the BRICS summit just a few weeks away, Russia spokesperson Dmitry Peskov signaled there are disagreements over potential expansion. Specifically, according to Reuters, Peskov stated that “nuances” of the plan will be discussed by leaders at the two-day Johannesburg summit.
However, Peskoc also noted that the bloc’s status has undoubtedly improved. Subsequently, he affirmed this reality due to the host of countries that are seeking to join the alliance. Currently, it has been reported that more than 70 heads of state are set to attend the festivities.
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Russia Hints at BRICS Disagreement Over Expansion
Over the course of the year thus far, the geopolitical sector has interestingly observed the rising prominence of BRICS. Moreover, as that status continues to ascend, its most vital annual summit is on the horizon. There, the bloc will confront what may be dissension regarding its growth.
Indeed, ahead of the BRICS summit, Russian Spokesperson Dmitry Peskoc signaled that disagreements exist regarding expansion. Subsequently, he noted that the economic alliance would be set to confront those challenges at the summit.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Brazil and India had objected to rapid expansion. Moreover, China had championed such growth, creating a sort of conflict ahead of the most vital summit of the bloc’s existence. Russia has seemingly confirmed that those kinds of squabbles exist.
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“All These nuances will of course be discussed during the upcoming summit… and the heads of state will speak about their positions,” Peskov said. However, he assured that these ‘nuances’ don’t disregard the attractiveness of the bloc.
“This is a very important topic because we see that more and more countries are making statements about their intention of joining BRICS,” he added. “In general, such interest in the BRICS group shows the great potential of the association, its growing authority, and, most importantly, the practical importance of this association.”
Although the attractiveness of the bloc is undeniable, so too is the conflict. Moreover, how it continues to shake out will be immensely interesting, and incredibly important. The expansion has long felt like a foregone conclusion for the bloc, but it must also come with consensus among its members.