Russia has extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to attend the BRICS summit scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This comes as Saudi Arabia, along with Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE, were invited to join the bloc last year as part of the bloc’s strategy to reshape the global order.
While Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed its decision to join BRICS, it is weighing the benefits and considering its significant trade relationships with China and India. The Kingdom’s evolving ties with Beijing have raised concerns in Washington, its long-time ally. Additionally, Saudi Arabia continues to collaborate closely with Russia on oil policies through OPEC+.
Meanwhile, other countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined BRICS in January. Argentina, however, opted out under President Javier Milei, choosing instead to strengthen its relationship with the United States.