BRICS Welcomes Nigeria and Eight Others as Partners, Vetoes Venezuela, Under Brazil's Presidency

Jan 17, 2025, 10:03 PM

Under Brazil's presidency, the BRICS bloc has announced the addition of nine countries as partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria. This expansion introduces a new category of 'partner countries' established during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. These partner countries, including Cuba and Bolivia from Latin America, will participate in summits and meetings but will have a status inferior to full members and will not have voting rights. The inclusion of these nations, particularly Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and one of its largest economies, aligns with the bloc's focus on enhancing cooperation among Global South countries and reforming global governance. Indonesia was also welcomed as a full member earlier this year. Venezuela's bid to join as a partner was vetoed by Brazil, causing tension between the two nations.