Palestine seeks full membership in BRICS

(Patria) - Palestine has applied for full membership in BRICS, but has not yet received a response and will continue to participate as a guest for now, said Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel-Hafiz Nofal yesterday.

In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA, Nofal confirmed that the Palestinian authorities have already submitted a formal request.

- But as you know, Palestine has certain conditions. I believe that Palestine will participate in the union as a guest until these conditions allow us to become a full member. We have not received any response so far - Nofal points out.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Russia, China, India and Brazil, and South Africa joined in 2011. As of 2024, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia and Iran have joined the bloc, while Indonesia joined in January 2025.

Partner countries working with BRICS include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Reacting to the Palestinian move, China said yesterday: "We welcome more like-minded countries to join BRICS cooperation and work together for a more just and equitable international order."

- BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries and a strong impetus for multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations.

The platform is widely recognized by countries of the Global South - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.