Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia remains undecided on accepting the BRICS bloc’s invitation to join, despite initial claims of its accession.
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor’s recently asserted the kingdom’s membership, but a Saudi official told Reuters that the Kingdom has not yet responded to the invitation to join BRICS but “it is still under consideration”.
BRICS, currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, extended membership offers to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, Argentina, and Ethiopia last August. Argentina previously declined the invitation in November.
Inclusion in BRICS would enhance the bloc’s economic influence and align with its proclaimed ambition to represent the Global South, potentially reshaping the international order it deems antiquated.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Economy Minister, Faisal Alibrahim, acknowledged ongoing deliberations on the matter. The kingdom seems to be cautiously navigating complex geopolitical situations involving the United States, China, and Russia, media reports said.
While fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member, the United Arab Emirates, has confirmed joining the bloc, Saudi Arabia continues its careful evaluation amidst shifting global dynamics, the reports said.