Indonesia has been admitted as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, according to Brazil’s foreign ministry. The move comes after Indonesia’s newly elected government last year decided to formally join the bloc. Brazilian officials welcomed Indonesia’s entry, citing the country’s large population and economy in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia views its membership in BRICS as a strategic step to increase collaboration and cooperation with other developing countries. The organization was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, and currently includes South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
China also welcomed Indonesia’s membership, describing it as a “major developing country” that will contribute positively to the bloc’s development. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied to join, while others have expressed interest in joining the organization.
The BRICS bloc accounts for nearly 45% of the world’s population and 35% of global gross domestic product, making it a significant player in international economic cooperation. With Indonesia’s membership, the bloc’s population and economy are expected to grow even further.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/brazil-brics-indonesia-membership-c05b0c8e2ae493f9046479e62a45d8fa