October 28, 2024
VIENTIANE – Laos is ready to become a full-fledged member of BRICS, raised President Thongloun Sisoulith at the BRICS Plus/Outreach plenary session last week in Kazan, Russia, as reported by Tass News Agency.
“In light of the significant achievements of BRICS and the growing importance of the association on the world stage, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic wishes to formally declare its interest in becoming a member of BRICS,” the Lao leader was quoted as saying.
“We are ready to raise the level of our interaction with BRICS on a wide range of issues. We hope for your support and acceptance of Laos as a future member of the BRICS group,” said President Thongloun in addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Leaders shared views on ways to foster cooperation between BRICS and countries in the global south under the theme ‘BRICS and Global South: Building a Better World Together.’
President Thongloun attended the BRICS Plus/Outreach session at the invitation of President Putin, said the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release. The session took place alongside the 16th BRICS summit which occurred on October 22-24.
The Lao leader underscored that Laos attaches importance to multilateral cooperation for sustainable development and promoting cooperation with countries in the region and the world by upholding the principles of multilateral cooperation, peace, security and equal development, the Lao ministry said.
He noted that BRICS has an influential role in the international arena and called for the group to play greater role in driving global affairs toward equitable development.
Meanwhile, the Lao leader emphasised the need to intensify bilateral and multilateral cooperation between BRICS and developing countries, including extending mutual assistance among countries in the global south.
President Thongloun suggested that cooperation should tap into potential areas such as trade and investment, tourism, connectivity, digital transformation, green energy, carbon credit, education and human resource development.
It was also put forward that cooperation should create conditions favourable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to leave no one behind.
During the visit, President Thongloun also held bilateral talks with several leaders including President Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Since 2009, BRICS summit has been held annually. Chaired by Russia, the 16th BRICS summit adopted the Kazan Declaration. The main topics of the document include the development of the association, its position on global issues, settlement of regional crises, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East.
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates having also officially joined the bloc this year.
More than 45 countries have expressed interest in joining the group, including Laos.