Pakistan’s ambassador says Islamabad applied for BRICS membership

ISTANBUL

Pakistan has applied to join the BRICS economic bloc, its ambassador to Moscow said Wednesday.

“We have already submitted an application. We are in contact with member countries to support Pakistan’s membership and count on Russia’s assistance,” Muhammad Khalid Jamali told Russian state news agency TASS.

Jamali said Pakistan expects to join during Russia’s chairmanship next year.

BRICS, established in 2006, is comprised of China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa.

In August, the bloc agreed to expand by inviting six countries -- Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The six new countries will become full members by January 2024.