ABUL, Afghanistan (AFP) — Ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit, the Taliban government of Afghanistan has voiced its desire to join the influential economic forum, which includes major emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, a city in southwestern Russia.
Hamdullah Fitrat, a deputy spokesman for the Taliban government, emphasized the significance of the BRICS forum, stating, “Countries with major resources and the world’s biggest economies are associated with the BRICS forum, especially Russia, India, and China.” He highlighted Afghanistan’s existing economic ties and commercial exchanges with these nations, expressing a strong interest in expanding relations and participating in the BRICS economic initiatives.
Despite not being officially recognized by any country since taking power, the Taliban has been forging closer ties with several BRICS founding members, notably China and Russia. Recently, the BRICS group has expanded to include Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia, yet the forum has yet to publicly respond to the Taliban’s overtures.
In a statement to AFP, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that they currently have “no information so far” regarding any invitation to the upcoming BRICS summit.
Both Russia and China have indicated a willingness to invest in Afghanistan’s commercial projects and collaborate with the Taliban in combating the Islamic State Khorasan, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group that operates within Afghanistan.
As the Taliban seeks to strengthen its international standing, its interest in the BRICS forum reflects a broader strategy to engage with major economies and enhance its economic prospects.
