Zimbabwe expresses readiness to join BRICS

Zimbabwe has expressed readiness to join BRICS following an expansion programme that saw the economic bloc admit six new members.

The group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has managed to create an alternative economic order, as reported by ZBC News, a partner of TV BRICS.

At the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, President Emmerson Mnangagwa's BRICS-Africa and BRICS+ dialogue report was presented by First Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. The Zimbabwean leader called for unity in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

"For us, BRICS is a family and we hope that with the joining of more developing countries, BRICS will vividly represent the global South on the world stage. Developing countries must come together and unite for the overarching goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity," said the report.

Like many other leaders, President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that Zimbabwe would be happy to consider full membership of BRICS in the future. "Zimbabwe, like many other countries in Africa, is committed to pursuing a path of sustainable economic growth and transformation through continental integration. We look forward to working with BRICS partners to successfully realise our goals of market integration. African and BRICS countries share similar visions and interests in improving and reforming the existing international order and global governance system. The world needs a just global order that delivers the future we want, that leaves no one behind."

"Let me take this opportunity to express Zimbabwe's firm and unwavering commitment to join the BRICS alliance. Zimbabwe as a nation recognises the immense value and potential of BRICS for the economic and political development of our country and the African continent as a whole. Joining this alliance will provide Zimbabwe with a unique opportunity to cooperate with like-minded nations and harness the benefits of collective strength," said Emmerson Mnangagwa in his report to the BRICS summit.

The BRICS enlargement programme, which saw Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates join the bloc, leaves the door open for further membership growth as more countries show interest in joining the group.