Vietnam joins BRICS as 'partner country'

BOGOTA, Colombia

Vietnam has been formally admitted as a "partner country" of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, Brazil's government announced on Friday.

“The government of Brazil welcomes the decision of the Vietnamese government,” said the South American country, which holds the bloc’s presidency in 2025.

"The country shares with the BRICS members and partners a commitment to a more inclusive and representative international order. Its efforts in favor of South-South cooperation and sustainable development reinforce its convergence with the interests of the group," the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs adds.

Vietnam becomes the 10th BRICS partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

The partner country category was formally introduced at the 16th BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, as part of the bloc's expansion strategy.

This move is widely seen as part of Vietnam's strategic effort to diversify its global partnerships and strengthen its economy. As a partner country, Vietnam will be permitted to participate in the group's summits and discussions.

In a historic move, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the BRICS+ Summit in Kazan in October 2024, marking the first time a Vietnamese leader has participated in the group's main meeting.

This participation follows Vietnam's earlier expression of its readiness to discuss a partnership with BRICS this year. Possessing a population of almost 100 million, Vietnam is recognized as a significant actor in Asia.

The BRICS group, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded its full membership. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates have now joined.