Thailand officially notifies Russia of its desire to join BRICS

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sanjampongsa on 11 June handed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov an official letter of intent to become a full member of BRICS, the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

The meeting took place in Nizhny Novgorod, where Sanjampongsa participated in the "BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries" on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting at Lavrov's invitation.

"As a link between different groups of countries, Thailand could enhance the inclusiveness and interconnectedness of BRICS and make BRICS more effective in promoting the interests of developing countries," the Thai Foreign Ministry's press office said.

At the meeting, Minister Maris Sangyampongsa also said told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Thailand is ready to join the group "as soon as possible".

"Thailand is willing to join the BRICS mechanism as soon as possible, play a more active role in South-South cooperation and strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms," Maris told.

The announcement came after the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last month approved a government draft letter indicating Bangkok's intention to become a member of the group.

This is the fifth BRICS meeting that Thailand has participated in.