Lukashenko: Belarus has become BRICS partner

KAZAN, 24 October (BelTA) – Belarus has become a BRICS partner, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in an interview with the Izvestia newspaper on the margins of the BRICS summit on 24 October, BelTA has learned.

"We have become a partner. This is a mandatory step on the way towards the organization," the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that while nearly 30 states have expressed their interest in joining BRICS, only about ten countries have become partners.

"A total of 12 or 13 states, including Belarus, have become the BRICS partners. Why does BRICS not accept other states? Why does BRICS take time to think before accepting other states?" the Belarusian leader asked. "Why has Türkiye been not accepted? It is the only NATO member that has shown interest. It is a large country with a powerful economy. Why not accept it? But no, they didn't. They created this ‘waiting room’ before full membership." "Okay, the partner status might be a legitimate way. But I am concerned that bureaucrats who create and propose the documents to the heads of state might turn this process into the red tape. The bureaucracy should not prevent the BRICS member states from solving topical issues. This is what worries me. Leaders got together, talked to each other, made speeches and left. And what is the result?" the Belarusian leader noted.