Morocco is among over 20 countries showing interest in joining the BRICS group, according to Yuri Ushakov, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“At present, more than two dozen countries have shown interest in a systemic dialogue with the BRICS,” Ushakov told the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.
This list includes several African countries such as Morocco, Senegal, Chad, and the Republic of Congo, along with countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, including Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, and Colombia.
While acknowledging the growing interest, Ushakov emphasized the need for a cautious approach to expansion.
“The doors of the association remain open to like-minded countries,” he said, “but uncontrolled expansion would break its backbone.”
He stressed the importance of “gradual, harmonized, and accurate steps” in considering new members, echoing the approach taken by Russia during its current presidency of the bloc.
The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as a significant force in global affairs. Its potential expansion has been a subject of much discussion, with many countries seeking to join the bloc, drawn by its economic and political influence.
Morocco’s expression of interest in BRICS aligns with its growing diplomatic assertiveness and its ambition to play a more prominent role on the international stage.
Joining the bloc could provide Morocco with access to new markets, investment opportunities, and a platform to amplify its voice on global issues.
However, the path to BRICS membership may not be straightforward. The group has yet to establish clear criteria for new members, and the existing members may have varying perspectives on the pace and scope of expansion.
South Africa had blocked all attempts by Morocco and Nigeria to join the BRICS bloc, as reported by Western media.
South Africa’s opposition appears to stem from concerns over Morocco’s growing economic influence in Africa, with analysts suggesting Pretoria aims to limit Morocco’s expansion.
The South African government previously claimed that Morocco had sought to join BRICS during the summit in Johannesburg last August, a claim that Moroccan officials denied.
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