Indonesia eyes BRICS membership, aligning with foreign policy stance

Kazan, Oct 25 (ANTARA) - Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono confirmed that Indonesia is intent on joining the BRICS economic bloc as the move aligns with its "free and active" foreign policy principles.

"It does not mean that we align with any specific bloc but rather that we actively participate in all forums," Sugiono stated at the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday local time.

According to the Foreign Ministry's written statement received here on Friday, he said that Indonesia views BRICS as the right platform to champion the interests of developing nations and the Global South.

Hence, Sugiono outlined three strategies to strengthen collaboration between BRICS and the Global South, with the first being to ensure the right to sustainable development by ensuring that developed nations fulfill their commitment to developing countries.

The second strategy is to push for reform in the multilateral system, making it more inclusive, representative, and in line with current reality. Sugiono also called for international institutions to be strengthened with adequate resources.

Indonesia further called for BRICS to serve as a unifying force to strengthen solidarity among developing countries, the Indonesian FM said.

Sugiono also highlighted that Indonesia's inclusion in BRICS will help bolster government programs in President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet.

"It will help us in food and energy security, poverty eradication, and human resources development," he noted.

Meanwhile, he affirmed that as a "bridge builder" between developing countries and the developed world, Indonesia is committed to increasing its presence in international forums outside BRICS and its dialogue with developed countries.

"Next month, the president will join the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while I have been invited to participate in the expanded session of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiuggi, Italy," Sugiono remarked.

Sugiono's visit to Russia for the BRICS Plus Summit as special envoy for President Prabowo was his first overseas trip after his induction as foreign minister this week.

During the 16th BRICS Summit, Indonesia is recognized as one of the 13 partner countries for BRICS though it is not yet a full member. Other Southeast Asian nations recognized as partner countries are Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.