Syria Considers Joining BRICS Group Amid Expanding Membership

The Syrian Ambassador to Russia, Bashar Jaafari, has announced that Damascus is seriously considering joining the BRICS group, an association of major emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The ambassador's statement comes as the BRICS group has recently expanded its membership, with five new countries - Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia - formally becoming full-fledged members on January 1, 2024.

Ambassador Jaafari stressed that the idea of Syria joining the BRICS+ group is on the country's agenda and is being seriously considered. This development coincides with the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia, from April 23-25, 2024. The meeting is attended by delegations from 106 countries, including security council secretaries, national security advisers, ministers, and heads of special services.

During the high-level security meeting, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev held talks with representatives from India, Qatar, Iraq, Latin American and Caribbean countries, and BRICS states. The discussions focused on various issues, including bilateral cooperation, the situation in the Middle East, law enforcement cooperation, and prospects for deepening economic and financial cooperation among BRICS countries.

Why this matters: Syria's potential membership in the BRICS group could have significant geopolitical implications, as it would further strengthen the country's ties with major emerging economies and provide a platform for increased economic and diplomatic cooperation. The expansion of the BRICS group also highlights the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping global affairs.

The Syrian Ambassador to Russia, Riyad Haddad, reiterated Syria's serious consideration of joining the BRICS group, emphasizing the potential benefits of such a move for the country. As the BRICS group continues to expand its membership and influence, the international community will closely monitor developments and the implications for global economic and political dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Syria considering joining BRICS, a major emerging economies group.
• BRICS group recently expanded membership to 5 new countries.
• Syria's potential BRICS membership could strengthen its ties with major economies.
• BRICS expansion highlights growing influence of emerging economies globally.
• Syria's BRICS membership decision to be closely monitored for global implications.