Bolivia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Celinda Sosa, has confirmed that Bolivia has been invited to join BRICS as a partner country. Sosa indicated that Bolivia’s response to the invitation was immediate and positive. The invitation comes amid Russia’s current chairmanship of BRICS, highlighted by the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October. The summit focused on expanding cooperation among emerging economies and finding alternatives to Western-dominated economic structures. Bolivia’s acceptance as a partner country reinforces BRICS’ agenda of broadening its global influence and fostering partnerships that challenge conventional power dynamics.
Why Does Bolivia See Potential in BRICS?
It is composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a bloc that promotes economic cooperation among emerging economies.
Sosa expressed her appreciation for Russia’s support in bringing Bolivia into the BRICS fold. “We are really very grateful to the president of brotherly Russia for supporting Bolivia’s participation in BRICS. Today, we received an invitation from the Russian foreign minister to join as a partner state. We have responded positively to this invitation,” Sosa stated, highlighting Russia’s role in facilitating this strategic partnership.
A Strategic Shift Towards Multilateralism
The Bolivian foreign minister emphasized that joining BRICS represents a strategic opportunity for Bolivia and other developing nations. “BRICS is a new alternative that will be able to help, first of all, countries like Bolivia, but also many others,” Sosa noted. She outlined how this partnership could strengthen Bolivia’s position in multilateral cooperation, especially with the Global South, which seeks sustainable development and economic resilience
Overcoming Conditional Financial Dependencies
Sosa pointed out that many countries, including Bolivia, have previously depended on financial assistance that came with restrictive terms, hindering true development. “In the past, many countries have been dependent on funds that were provided under strict conditions. This has led to poverty rather than change and prosperity,” she explained. By joining BRICS, Bolivia aims to break free from such constraints and pursue growth on more equitable terms.
Support for Cuba’s BRICS Inclusion
The minister also expressed satisfaction over Cuba’s recent acceptance as a BRICS partner, seeing it as a testament to shared values of sovereignty and resilience. “I am very happy that Cuba, a country that has really resisted imperialism and survived an unfair economic blockade, has been accepted as a BRICS partner state. This shows that there is a vision of integration, a multilateral vision where all countries have this opportunity,” Sosa stated.
Commitment to Sovereignty and Unity
The foreign minister emphasized that Bolivia’s values align with BRICS’ approach to maintaining autonomy and collective decision-making. “We, our countries, we have wealth, we have wisdom, we have, above all, the defense of our autonomy in decision-making,” Sosa said. She underscored that the partnership will support Bolivia’s aspirations for economic empowerment and unified progress. “This aspiration is becoming a reality thanks to the spirit of integration among the BRICS countries,” she concluded.
Bolivia’s acceptance of the BRICS partnership signifies a move toward economic diversification and enhanced global cooperation. The country seeks to join forces with like-minded states in promoting development and resisting financial dependencies that come with restrictive conditions. With the support of BRICS, Bolivia hopes to forge a path marked by multilateralism and sustainable growth.
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