Uncertainty Over Saudi Arabia's Representation at BRICS Summit, Russia's New Decision

Uncertainty Over Saudi Arabia's Representation at BRICS Summit, Russia's New Decision

According to reports, amid the threat of 100% tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia has suspended its application for membership in BRICS.

Citing Russian news agency Interfax, Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that Russia has suspended Saudi Arabia's accession to BRICS. Currently, Russia holds the presidency of BRICS.

Saudi Arabia was invited to join BRICS in 2023, but it has not officially accepted the membership. The founding members of BRICS were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new countries like Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ethiopia joining later.

A few weeks ago, Donald Trump announced that if BRICS countries introduced their own currency to challenge the dollar, he would impose a 100% tariff on them. Although Saudi Arabia has maintained communication with BRICS, it has not yet formally joined the group.

In October, Russia withdrew a statement in which Saudi Arabia was referred to as a BRICS member.

Meanwhile, ahead of the BRICS summit in the strategic Russian city of Kazan, the Kremlin withdrew a previous statement and said, "The summit will take place, and we will provide further information about Saudi Arabia's representation and make a decision thereafter."