Indonesia Receives Invitation To Become A State Of BRICS Partners

JAKARTA - Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Antonio Morato Tavares confirmed that Indonesia had accepted an invitation to become a partner country of BRICS.

"That's right, I accepted the offer," he said in a short message to VOI, Wednesday, November 20.

"Receiving here also means we accept to make a BRICS country partner," he continued.

When asked whether the government in Jakarta should answer the invitation to officially become a partner country, he said: "Jakarta has answered."

Previously, Ambassador Jose Tavares in an interview with TAS confirmed the invitation.

"Yes, (we have received the invitation). This is a positive development. Now, we have become a partner country of BRICS," the diplomat said, quoted from TASS.

He explained that this status allowed Indonesia to participate in the group meeting as partner countries.

He added, in this role, Indonesia "will actively contribute and participate in any initiative carried out by BRICS."

After the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the group had approved a list of partner countries, although their names were not disclosed. In the early stages, invitations will be given to these countries, and announcements will be made after a positive response is received.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. On January 1, 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates became full members.

Indonesia itself previously announced its desire to join BRICS, to raise the interests of developing countries or Global South, but on the other hand, it continues to discuss with developed countries, carrying out its important role as a bridge builder.

The desire to join BRICS was conveyed at the BRICS Plus Summit which was held in Kazan, Russia last October. Foreign Minister Sugiono was present to represent Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Special Envoy.

Through BRICS, Indonesia wants to raise its common interest in developing countries or Global South.

"We see that BRICS can be the right vehicle to discuss and advance common interests of Global South," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, October 25.

"However, we also continue our involvement or engagement in other forums, as well as continuing discussions with developed countries," he continued.