Heads of the BRICS nations’ delegations show the BRICS spirit during the traditional photo ceremony. --Photo Russian MFA

Following Pakistan’s Official Application, Laos intends to join BRICS

(Sputnik) -- Laos has demonstrated interest in BRICS and more than 40 nations have also indicated their interest to join the bloc.
Minister of Planning and Investment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Khamjane Vongphosy stated that his country is interested in joining BRICS and will study the requirements as it is keen to become a member.
The minister said the country is interested in the bloc because of the “positive” developments in BRICS. He also mentioned that his ministry would need to coordinate its actions with the government and foreign ministry of the nation and then go through additional procedures to apply for membership in BRICS.
According to South Africa’s top diplomat in charge of relations with the BRICS group of countries, more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the organisation earlier this year.
Last month, Pakistan also formally applied for membership in the multinational forum BRICS.
Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were the six new members of the BRICS group, which was decided upon at its August summit and will be effective from Jan 1 2024.
The expansion of the grouping, which became the first since South Africa’s admission into the group in 2010, was endorsed by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa or BRICS.

(Latest Update December 8, 2023)