Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will officially join BRICS as partner states starting January 1, 2025. This development follows the BRICS summit held in Kazan.
Kazakhstan
Despite initial reservations about pursuing full membership in BRICS, Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to participate as a partner state.
This decision aligns with its strategy of maintaining a balanced foreign policy, enabling the country to uphold its diverse international commitments while engaging with BRICS activities.
Kazakhstan’s participation in BRICS is seen as an opportunity to leverage economic and diplomatic relations without the obligations of full membership, which could have implications for its relations with other global powers.
Uzbekistan
Similarly, Uzbekistan has opted for partner status within BRICS. This move is part of its broader strategy to engage with international organizations on its terms, focusing on economic cooperation and development without the political commitments that full membership might entail.
The “partner state” status allows these countries to participate in special sessions of BRICS summits, meetings of foreign ministers, and other high-level events, although they will not have voting rights or the ability to influence the group’s official decisions.
This status is designed to foster dialogue and cooperation on economic, development, and potentially security issues.
This expansion is part of BRICS’s strategy to strengthen its global influence and provide an alternative platform for countries—particularly from the Global South—to engage in international cooperation beyond traditional Western-led institutions.
The inclusion of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as partners is expected to enhance the group’s diversity and contribute to its economic and political discourse.
As of January 1, 2025, the following countries will also become BRICS members:
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Indonesia
- Cuba
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Uganda
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 30, 2024