Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, Kairat Umarov, actively participated in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, on 2 June, as Kazakhstan seeks to become a member of the influential alliance, aiming to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

During the meeting, Umarov engaged in constructive discussions with counterparts, including Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Their talks centered around deepening political and economic ties between Kazakhstan and the BRICS member countries, exploring avenues for collaboration within multilateral frameworks, and exchanging insights on pressing international and regional issues of mutual interest.

 We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery.

Kazakhstan’s interest in BRICS is driven by the alliance’s significant global presence, representing 35% of the Earth’s territory, 40% of the world’s population, and 30% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). Kazakhstan’s active involvement in the ministerial gathering reflects its commitment to pursue BRICS membership and tap into the extensive trade and economic opportunities offered by this influential group.

The event witnessed the participation of not only the BRICS member states but also the Friends of BRICS, a group comprising countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay. Kazakhstan’s invitation to the forum underlines its strategic role as the current chair of the CICA and its forthcoming chairmanship of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization).

Kazakhstan’s active pursuit of BRICS membership demonstrates its strong determination to foster trade and economic collaboration with the member countries, thereby enhancing its global economic footprint.