Ushakov: One way to expand BRICS is to create a category of partner  states

ArmInfo. One way to expand BRICS is by creating a category of BRICS partner states, gradually  involving new states in the organization's work. This is the approach  that Russia is proposing, as clarified by Russian presidential aide  Yuri Ushakov.  

"Including new members through this formula would be  more convenient. We already have our own ideas about who could be  included in this category first. Considering applications from CIS  countries is a logical step. If you look at it more broadly, it would  contribute to the authority of BRICS if Indonesia joined the  organization, given its vast territory and population," Ushakov  added, as reported by AiF.

At the same time, he noted that BRICS leaders do not yet have a  common position on this issue. Some BRICS members believe that they  should stop at ten and wait before expanding, while others are in  favor of accepting new members and have even name specific countries  that could be accepted.  

"This is a challenging issue, and the leaders will address it during the Kazan summit," Ushakov said.  The  BRICS summit will be held on October 22-24 in Kazan. Ushakov called  it "potentially the largest foreign policy event ever to take place  on Russian territory." We will add that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan has announced his intention to participate in the BRICS  summit in Kazan. Armenia is an observer at the Organization