At the BRICS summit held in Kazan, a decision was made to introduce the status of a partner country of the association. It has already been received by 13 countries, including Nigeria, Algeria and Uganda.

Also now included among BRICS partner countries are Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Currently, the African members of BRICS are South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia.

Unlike partner countries, official members have voting rights in the bloc’s decisions, can participate in summits and meetings without restrictions, but must fully support the BRICS position . Partners’ opportunities in the activities of the association are limited, but they can still participate in other international initiatives, maintaining neutrality on some issues, without the obligation to adhere to BRICS decisions in everything.