Argentina’s Foreign Minister Declares Disinterest in BRICS Membership
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino declared that the country is unwilling to join BRICS, preferring to deepen ties within Mercosur instead. Despite recognizing the benefits of BRICS, Mondino emphasized a desire for political independence and has sent formal letters to BRICS members confirming Argentina’s withdrawal of interest. The Foreign Minister’s visit to Delhi centered on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in trade and energy security.
During her visit to Delhi, Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino reaffirmed that her country does not wish to join the BRICS grouping, despite having been invited during the South Africa summit in August 2023. While she acknowledged Argentina’s strong economic relationships with BRICS member nations, she emphasized that politically, her country prefers not to be aligned with any one bloc, favoring its existing commitment to Mercosur, the Southern Common Market. Argentina has actively communicated this stance, having sent official letters to the original BRICS members—India, China, South Africa, Russia, and Brazil—indicating its withdrawal from discussions regarding membership. Furthermore, Mondino remarked on the potential benefits of BRICS to capital markets and economic growth yet emphasized that Argentina seeks to avoid any political entanglements. She stated, “We don’t want to be burdened with whatever politics anybody else has. We don’t want anybody’s agenda.” Argentina’s Foreign Minister is in Delhi to bolster diplomatic ties, specifically discussing trade, space, nuclear energy, railways, agriculture, and defense, underscoring Argentina’s ambition to play a significant role in food and energy security for India. This visit coincides with the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia, which will focus on further expansion of the grouping and discussions surrounding the use of national currencies for trade, although Argentina will not be participating in these developments.
BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established as a counterbalance to Western-centric economic forums like the G7. The bloc has seen growing interest from several countries aspiring to join. In August 2023, six nations, including Argentina, received invitations for membership, set to commence on January 1, 2024. However, following the election of President Javier Milei, Argentina expressed its decision to withdraw interest in BRICS, influenced by a desire to maintain political independence and focus on regional partnerships, particularly within Mercosur. Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, aims at facilitating free trade and movement among its member countries. Argentina’s Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of consolidating these regional ties rather than pursuing broader international commitments that may compromise political autonomy.
In conclusion, Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino has made a definitive statement regarding the country’s lack of interest in joining BRICS, preferring instead to strengthen ties within Mercosur. This decision reflects Argentina’s intent to remain politically independent and focused on its regional partnerships, amidst the backdrop of an evolving global economic landscape and the upcoming BRICS summit.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
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