Dmitry Rosenthal, Director of Institute of Latin America of Russian Academy of Sciences: Brazil seeks to increase number of potential BRICS candidates

Brazil's invitation of Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay to the BRICS summit is a step towards the expansion of the association. This opinion was expressed by Dmitry Rosenthal, Director of the Institute of Latin America (ILA) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), in an interview with TV BRICS.

"Now BRICS is a very attractive association, which allows new participants to use its resources, and at the same time practically not to assume any excessive obligations. [...] There are now a number of countries expressing their intention to join BRICS, and Brazil, as chair, is keen to increase the number of potential candidates"

Dmitry Rosenthal Director of the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences

According to the expert, Brazil has good relations with Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, which may have influenced their invitation. These countries are also interested in interacting with BRICS, seeing the group as an additional platform for expanding economic opportunities.

Rosenthal added that Russia and China, as key players in the association, are interested in increasing the number of members of the association.

Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that the participation of non-BRICS countries in the summit of the association is important because of the need for a broad global discussion today.

Brazil became the BRICS chair country on 1 January 2025. The summit of the association will be held on 6-7 July in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: ILA RAS / iStock