Zimbabwe is ready to join the "progressive" BRICS bloc, the country's Minister of Defense, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, reportedly stated, speaking on the sidelines of the International Inter-Party Forum in the format "BRICS and Partner Countries: World Majority for a Multipolar World," which is taking place in Vladivostok.
“Zimbabwe [...] stands ready to join the [BRICS] progressive group, which will offer an alternative conducive environment to trade freely with other nations [...],” the minister was quoted as saying by local media.
Muchinguri-Kashiri went on to say that in addition to facilitating economic growth based on mutual respect, common advancement, and prosperity, the BRICS countries' model, which is founded on a unique relationship governed by the non-alignment concept, has also allowed them to break past ideological limitations.
“Zimbabwe, like many of the other countries represented here, has strong conviction in BRICS’ potential to counterbalance Western powers’ dominance by challenging their unilateral decision-making and promoting a more balanced global landscape,” she reportedly added.
According to the minister, BRICS and partner countries are creating an effective mechanism for developing ties between the world's majority.
“Indivisible and equal security are key principles for building genuine and lasting international peace,” the minister emphasized.
Furthermore, she stated that BRICS is guiding the world away from a single-power dominance towards a multipolar system. She emphasized that, as long-time sufferers in a unipolar world, both the United Russia Party and ZANU PF (the ruling parties in the two countries) support this essential strategic partnership.
“It fully supports our joint plea for universal freedom for all nations and co-operation of like-minded nations to advance national development agendas,” the official was quoted as saying.
Concluding her speech, Muchinguri-Kashiri, on behalf of Africa, expressed gratitude to Russia for assistance in the field of defense and security.
In late March, Zimbabwe's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, told Russian media that his country counts on Russia's support in its bid to join BRICS, adding that admission to BRICS will be an event of great significance for the country and the economy.
The forum took place on June 17-18 and was organized by the United Russia party. The event brought together more than 150 representatives of leading political forces from 32 countries. As part of the forum, United Russia signed cooperation agreements with political parties from Thailand, Myanmar, and Venezuela.