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Cuba has officially requested to become a “Partner Country” of BRICS, the alliance of emerging economies currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, according to a statement made by Cuba’s Foreign Minister Carlos Miguel Pereira on October 8. The formal request was delivered through a letter addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds the rotating presidency of BRICS this year.
The request comes ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit, which is scheduled to take place from October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia. During this summit, member countries are expected to discuss the future expansion of the group and other global geopolitical issues.
Pereira emphasized that BRICS has become a “key player in global geopolitics” and presents hope for countries in the Global South, positioning itself as a counterbalance to the influence of Western-led institutions such as the G7. Cuba’s appeal is part of a broader trend, with other nations, such as Azerbaijan, also seeking to join the bloc. Earlier this year, countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join, although membership is by invitation only.
Founded in 2009, BRICS initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The group seeks to foster economic cooperation and create an alternative global platform, distinct from Western-dominated frameworks.
As of now, it remains unclear how BRICS will respond to Cuba’s request or whether other new members will be invited during the upcoming summit.
