Following the country’s president’s openly seeking an invitation to the gathering, Russia has stated that French involvement in the upcoming BRICS summit would be inappropriate. Specifically, Reuters reported that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov says President Emmanuelle Macron would be “an inappropriate guest.”
Macron has been rather outspoken about his desire to receive an invitation to the upcoming BRICS summit. Set to take place in Johannesburg this August, the two-day event is crucial for the bloc. Moreover, the response from Russian officials is one many expected considering the country’s recent history.
Russia Stands Against French Invitation to BRICS Summit
The upcoming BRICS Summit is primed to be one of the most important for the bloc. Indeed, the annual gathering of its member heads of state will see the vital ideas of expansion and an alternative currency dominate discussions. Subsequently, with many countries seeking to attend in hopes of joining the collective, one country seeking an invitation came as somewhat of a surprise.
The French President, Emmanuelle Macron, has openly stated his desire to take part in the summit. Moreover, he has reportedly reached out to South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in hopes of gaining an invitation. However, one of the largest members of the collective has publicly stood against the idea.
Specifically, Russia has stated that French involvement in the BRICS summit would be inappropriate. A stance that is not surprising considering the rather difficult relations that the two nations have had in recent history. Along with the country’s close ties to the West.
Ryabkov stated, “Clearly, leaders of states that pursue such a hostile and unacceptable policy towards us, discussing with such emphasis and conviction that Russia should be isolated on the international stage, and share the common NATO line of inflicting a so-called strategic defeat on us—such a leader is an inappropriate BRICS guest.”
“And we are not hiding this approach of ours, we have told our colleagues from South Africa. We expect that our point of view will be fully accepted,” Ryabkov added. Conversely, the bloc has not spoken out about whether France will be invited or not. However, this statement could speak volumes as to where the collective is leaning.