Kazakhstan has decided not to apply for a membership in the BRICS economic group as neighboring Russia prepares to host the organization’s 16th summit next week.
In a recent interview with TengriNews, Presidential Press Secretary Berik Uali emphasized that Kazakhstan is closely monitoring the growth of BRICS and supports its founding members' efforts to promote “a fair, democratic global order free from the hegemony of any superpowers.”
He explained that while President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received proposals to join BRICS, the government has decided to refrain from applying for the time being.
“At the same time, at present and, most likely, in the foreseeable future, Kazakhstan will refrain from submitting an application to BRICS,” Uali said, citing the complex process of membership evaluation and Kazakhstan's national interests.
This announcement comes after President Tokayev expressed interest in joining the group during the 15th summit held in Johannesburg in August 2023. At the time, Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan “would like to contribute to the development of BRICS potential as a member state.”
Uali also pointed out that Tokayev remains a strong supporter of the United Nations, calling it a "universal and uncontested organization" that deserves the international community's continued backing. However, according to Tokayev, the UN is not free from shortcomings, and no organization without flaws exists, he said.
Although Kazakhstan has decided not to apply, President Tokayev plans to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in the Tatarstan capital city of Kazan from October 22 to 24. He is expected to speak at an expanded meeting, where global political and economic issues will be discussed.
BRICS, an intergovernmental organization founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later added South Africa to its ranks. In January 2024, five new countries – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – joined the bloc, reflecting its growing importance on the global stage. However, Saudi Arabia’s membership status is uncertain, as the country has yet to fully ratify its inclusion in the group. Last August, Azerbaijan also submitted an application to join BRICS.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host the first-ever summit of BRICS+ where the founding members of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – will formally welcome the five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Putin has also invited more than two dozen other countries that have applied for or are considering membership in the expanding club.
Some analysts believe that the gathering is meant to send a clear geopolitical signal: despite Western efforts to isolate Russia, the BRICS summit is set to showcase that the country still enjoys strong support from nations around the world.
BRICS continues to hold significant influence. According to the International Monetary Fund, as of 2024, the group represents about 45 percent of the world’s population, 28.7 percent of global GDP, and about 20 percent of international trade. BRICS member countries also possess a combined financial asset value exceeding $25 trillion.
In addition to the upcoming summit in Kazan, Moscow will host the 6th International Municipal Forum of BRICS countries later this month.
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