HANOI, Vietnam — Following a two-day trip to Hanoi, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Russia would support Vietnam’s involvement in the BRICS group of emerging economies as a “partner country.” A joint statement released on Wednesday indicated that Russia welcomes Vietnam’s active participation in BRICS events scheduled for 2024 and is prepared to establish favorable conditions for Vietnam’s collaboration as a partner country in the bloc.
BRICS, initially established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded to include South Africa in 2010 and has since grown to include additional countries. Last year, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joined the group, with Saudi Arabia receiving an invitation. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have submitted applications for membership, while several other nations have shown interest.
Vietnam, situated in Southeast Asia, has seen its neighbor Indonesia granted full membership in BRICS this month. However, sentiments regarding Vietnam’s potential membership remain cautious. Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the Vietnam Studies Program at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, stated that Hanoi is hesitant about how joining BRICS might be perceived by the U.S., especially under the previous Trump administration, and the possible ramifications associated with becoming a full member under less favorable scenarios.
Giang noted that the benefits of joining BRICS do not appear substantial enough to justify the risks from Vietnam’s perspective. The country continues to seek U.S. support to further its economic goals and diversify its defense relationships.
In the context of its international relationships, Russia is looking to strengthen ties in Asia as it faces increasing isolation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During Mishustin’s visit to Vietnam, the countries discussed expanding their collaboration on nuclear energy, with Russia expressing its willingness to assist in developing a national nuclear power industry in Vietnam, according to the issued joint statement.
