BRICS invited six new countries to join the alliance during last year’s summit in Johannesburg. The 15th summit in August saw BRICS inviting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia. Argentina was the first country to outright reject membership as the newly-elected President Javier Milei is skeptical about the bloc. While all four other countries joined the alliance, Saudi Arabia is yet to say ‘yes’ to BRICS.
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Saudi Arabia has not accepted the BRICS invitation yet and has kept the decision to join the bloc pending. The 9-member alliance is still waiting for Saudi Arabia’s decision as the Kingdom is yet to provide an answer.
BRICS Confirms Saudi Arabia Is ‘Still Going Through Its Own Process’ To Join The Bloc
South Africa’s Ambassador to Russia, Mzuvukile Geoff Maqetuka confirmed that Saudi Arabia is “still going through its own processes” about joining BRICS. He explained that the Kingdom is yet to provide an answer and the alliance will wait for its decision.
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“Saudi Arabia is still going through its own processes. One, as a nation-state. Two, together with the BRICS shepherds. Saudi Arabia is not yet, has not yet endorsed. We will see it as we move towards (the summit in) Kazan. As South Africa, we are ready,” the ambassador said.
The alliance needs Saudi Arabia as they could dominate the global oil and gas sector. In addition, Saudi Arabia can also fund the bloc with fresh funds making the alliance financially stronger. Read here to know how many sectors in the US will be affected if BRICS ditches the dollar for trade.
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On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is looking to balance the world as it needs BRICS and the West to sustain its economy. Leaving one off the table could dampen its economy as the Kingdom might play it safe and neutral.