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BRICS Expands, Adds Nigeria, 12 Nations as Strategic Partners

BRICS, the prominent bloc of emerging economies, has officially expanded its alliance by adding 13 new nations as partner countries, marking a significant development at the conclusion of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

The summit, which took place from October 22 to 24, 2024, centered around the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” and was the bloc’s sixteenth annual gathering.

The new additions to BRICS, announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter), include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

These countries join the alliance as partners, though not as full members.

The post read, “BRICS officially adds 13 new nations to the alliance as partner countries (not full members).”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, was one of the prominent countries added as a partner.

Confirming this development, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria, stated, “Yes. It is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.”

The BRICS alliance, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been steadily growing. Earlier in 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were inducted as full members, making them full participants in this year’s summit.

BRICS aims to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, security, and development among its members, positioning itself as a key player in the global economy.

Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner aligns with earlier statements made by the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, in November 2023.

Tuggar had emphasized Nigeria’s ambition to eventually become a full member within two years, given its large population and growing economic influence.

The expansion reflects BRICS’ ongoing efforts to broaden its economic integration with other emerging markets, as the bloc seeks to counterbalance the influence of traditional Western powers in the global economic and political arena.

As the group continues to grow, its influence on global trade, development, and geopolitical strategy is expected to rise significantly.

This year’s summit highlighted the bloc’s commitment to fostering stronger multilateral ties and creating a more equitable global system.

The addition of new partner nations is seen as a step toward reinforcing the bloc’s role in shaping global economic development and security strategies.

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