Number of BRICS countries can triple

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia's real partners are BRICS, the SCO, the EAEU, the CIS and the CSTO. According to the diplomat, these organisations make a significant contribution to ensuring security in their part of the Post-Soviet Space. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking at the Primakov Readings, added that the number of BRICS countries could be more than triple. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and a number of other countries may join the alliance.

“A large number of states is lining up to become a full member,” Lavrov said. He noted that if all applications are satisfied, the "five" will turn into 15-17 countries.

The day before, on 6 December, during the session “China after the 20th Congress of the CPC and Russia: Strategic Partnership Priorities”, Yan Xuetong, Director of the Institute of International Studies, Tsinghua University, stressed that the PRC will actively try to increase the influence of such international associations as BRICS and SCO.

The Primakov Readings is a major international forum of experts in the field of the world economy and international relations, which is held on an annual basis in Moscow.