Namibia has expressed its strong interest in joining the influential bloc of emerging economies, BRICS, according to the country's ambassador to Moscow, Clemens Handuukeme Kashuupulwa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, held on November 9-10 in Sochi, the ambassador emphasized the potential benefits of closer ties with progressive nations.
"You cannot be behind it [this process], which will open up interaction with progressive nations for us," he stated.
Kashuupulwa stressed the potential benefits of closer ties with the influential bloc of emerging economies. He noted that while Namibia is actively working towards potential BRICS membership, the process has been delayed due to the death of the Namibian president and the upcoming elections scheduled for November 27.
"We are working closely with South Africa [on this matter], but for the moment we are not yet prepared to be members of BRICS," explained Ambassador Kashuupulwa.
Following the recent BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced an expansion of the bloc with the establishment of a BRICS partner status.
According to the Russian leader, invitations will be sent to potential partner countries, and their acceptance will mark their official inclusion in the BRICS partnership framework.