Russia backs Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It is an international organization of five major emerging economies. BRICS was established in 2009, and its members account for over 40% of the world's population and over 25% of global GDP.

Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership

In June 2023, Azerbaijan submitted an application to join BRICS. Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, said that Azerbaijan is a "natural candidate" for BRICS membership because of its "strong economy, strategic location, and commitment to multilateralism." Azerbaijan is a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Russia's support for Azerbaijan's application

Russia has expressed its support for Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Azerbaijan is a "key partner" for Russia and that its membership in BRICS would "strengthen the organization." Russia is one of the founding members of BRICS, and it has played a leading role in the organization.

Benefits of BRICS membership for Azerbaijan

• Increased trade and investment with other BRICS countries
• Access to BRICS development bank and other financial institutions
• Enhanced political and diplomatic cooperation with other BRICS countries

Challenges to Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership

• Azerbaijan's ongoing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region
• Azerbaijan's close relationship with Turkey, which is not a BRICS member
• BRICS's own internal challenges, such as the trade war between China and the United States

Conclusion

Azerbaijan's application for BRICS membership is a significant development in the country's foreign policy. If Azerbaijan is admitted to BRICS, it will be the first country from the South Caucasus region to join the organization. BRICS membership could provide Azerbaijan with a number of benefits, including increased trade and investment, access to BRICS development bank and other financial institutions, and enhanced political and diplomatic cooperation with other BRICS countries.