In a recent development within the BRICS alliance, Venezuela has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Brazil for allegedly blocking its membership. While Cuba and Bolivia were welcomed as associate states, President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has accused Brazil of acting aggressively to prevent Venezuela from joining the bloc.
The Venezuelan government labeled Brazil’s actions as an “aggression,” claiming that the administration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed Venezuela’s entry into BRICS. This accusation comes despite BRICS agreeing to expand its membership to include 13 new countries as associate members during the latest summit held in Kazan, Russia.
In response, Brazil’s Itamaraty Ministry stated that the BRICS summit focused solely on defining the criteria and principles for new memberships. Ambassador Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil’s Secretary for Asia and the Pacific, clarified that the inclusion of new members depends on adherence to established guidelines, such as supporting UN reforms, rejecting unilateral economic sanctions, and maintaining amicable relations with all current BRICS members.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry responded by expressing indignation and shame over what it described as Brazil’s “inexplicable and immoral aggression.” The statement criticized Brazil for maintaining policies that oppose the Bolivarian Revolution initiated by former President Hugo Chávez and continued under Maduro.
The exclusion of Venezuela from BRICS contrasts with the admission of countries like Cuba and Bolivia, which Venezuela claims was influenced by Brazil’s diplomatic stance. Bolivia’s President Luis Arce Catacora, during his meeting with Putin in Kazan, highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two nations across various sectors and inquired about the potential for Bolivia’s associate membership to advance to full membership status.
Despite the tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for improved bilateral relations between Brazil and Venezuela. He commended President Lula da Silva as a “decent and honest person” and expressed optimism that Brazil would approach the situation objectively, potentially resolving the diplomatic friction.
The BRICS alliance, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran as of January 1, 2024. Argentina was also set to join on the same date but withdrew following the inauguration of President Javier Milei in December 2023. The group now represents nearly half of the world’s population, 40% of global oil production, and around 25% of goods exports, positioning it as a significant economic and geopolitical force.
Venezuela’s exclusion highlights the complexities within BRICS as the bloc navigates expanding its membership while balancing the interests and diplomatic relations of its existing and new members. As BRICS continues to grow, the dynamics between member nations and potential new entrants like Venezuela will be critical in shaping the future trajectory of this influential economic alliance.
