The BRICS are in the process of developing membership criteria for potential candidates, according to the President of the Russian Senate traveling to Algeria. But one thing is already clear: the decision will be made by the five countries in the group.
“The five BRICS countries have agreed to develop comprehensible general mechanisms for other countries to join this structure. This testifies to the seriousness of the organization: (not to admit) anyone indiscriminately on the basis of confused principles. This work on the elaboration of the criteria for the enlargement of the BRICS is in progress. The question will be decided by the five BRICS countries,” she announced.
Moscow’s support promised in Algiers
Mrs. Matvienko also spoke about Algeria’s request to join the group, promising it Russia’s support.
“Algeria wants to join the BRICS and we in Russia support this move,” she said.
She added that Algeria was likely to be among the first to join the group.
These countries knocking at the door
Algiers officially applied for membership in the group last November.
Argentina and Iran have also applied to join the BRICS, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt have announced their interest in becoming members of the group.
The Algerian special envoy in charge of major international partnerships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Leïla Zerrougui, indicated last December that Algeria is waiting for the BRICS to set the criteria next June with holding the summit in South Africa.
