Kazakhstan will officially join BRICS as a partner state on January 1, 2025, according to Yuri Ushakov, an assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ushakov stated that Russia has received confirmation from several countries expressing readiness to become BRICS partners.
“One of the important results of the BRICS summit in Kazan was the establishment of the category of BRICS partner countries and agreement on a list of 13 states. Appropriate invitations were sent to these states. Confirmations of readiness to become a BRICS partner state have been received from Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan,” Ushakov announced.
Kazakhstan’s Position on BRICS Partnership
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the country’s status as a BRICS partner state, effective from January 1, 2025. However, the press secretary to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Berik Uali, previously stated that the country does not plan to seek full BRICS membership in the foreseeable future. Uali cited the multi-stage application process and considerations regarding the association’s development prospects as reasons for this decision.
BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation among member states. As a partner, Kazakhstan will engage with BRICS without taking on the obligations or privileges of full membership.
This development marks a significant step in Kazakhstan’s international engagement strategy while reflecting its cautious approach to deeper involvement in the bloc.
