Mali Expresses Interest in Joining BRICS Soon

Mali has expressed its intention to join the BRICS group in the near future, according to the country's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop.

In a recent interview with Russian news agency "Novosti," Diop confirmed Mali’s growing interest in becoming part of the emerging economic bloc, which currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Diop stated, "Yes, Mali is interested in joining BRICS. While we haven’t officially applied yet, discussions are ongoing with our Russian friends, as well as other BRICS members."

He emphasized that the West African nation is exploring all its options and hopes to apply for membership in the future, possibly alongside the broader Sahel region coalition.

The Malian Foreign Minister highlighted that BRICS offers an alternative to the current international system, providing a more balanced and multipolar global framework.

He noted, "BRICS is geopolitically significant, offering a platform for countries like Mali to have a stronger voice on the global stage."

Economically, Diop pointed out that joining BRICS would allow Mali to benefit from initiatives like trade in national currencies and access to financing through the BRICS Bank.

"The group is appealing because it opens up opportunities for our economies and entrepreneurs to access funding," he added, stressing the potential economic advantages for Mali.

Mali is also in talks with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger to develop a shared approach to BRICS, further signaling the region's collective interest in aligning with the organization.