Palestinian President Renews Bid for BRICS Membership Amid Ongoing Tensions

Kazan: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reiterated Palestine's intention to join the BRICS group, urging for the immediate cessation of Israeli occupation aggression against Palestinians. Speaking at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Abbas emphasized the importance of partnership and dialogue within the bloc, which originally includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. According to Kuwait News Agency, Abbas expressed Palestine's full readiness to adhere to the objectives and activities of BRICS, highlighting the potential for enhanced collaboration in areas such as development, energy, culture, and international security. He also extended his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for inviting him to participate in the summit, which serves as a platform to fortify relations among BRICS nations and the Global South. BRICS, originally formed to spotlight investment prospects, has since transformed into a geopolitical coalition. It now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2009, BRICS countries have convened annually to coordinate multilateral policies and address pressing regional and international issues, with the Palestinian situation being a focal point during this summit.