Vietnam Joins BRICS as 10th Partner Country, Deepening Global South Cooperation.
International
On June 13, 2025, the Brazilian government, currently presiding over BRICS, formally announced that Vietnam is its 10th "Partner Country". This status allows Vietnam to participate in BRICS summits and meetings without full membership, highlighting its growing importance in South–South solidarity and sustainable development
- BRICS introduced the Partner Country category in 2024 to foster broader engagement. As a partner, Vietnam can attend meetings, endorse declarations, and collaborate on key projects without being bound to full membership obligations.
- Vietnam joins a diverse group of nine existing partners, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—making it the 10th nation granted this status.
- Brazil's foreign ministry, speaking as the host of the 2025 BRICS presidency, endorsed Vietnam's admission. The statement emphasized Vietnam’s role in South–South cooperation and its steadfast pursuit of sustainable development, framing it as a valuable Asian partner.
Main Point :- (i) Vietnam’s inclusion reflects its diplomatic strategy of “bamboo diplomacy” — balancing partnerships with major powers while retaining strategic autonomy. It boosts Hanoi’s leverage in global forums including ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), G7/G20 (Group of Seven / Group of Twenty), and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
(ii) Membership in BRICS partner category links Vietnam more closely with the New Development Bank and joint infrastructure/investment initiatives, aligning with its ambitions to diversify trade partnerships and enhance multilateral connectivity.
(iii) Although Vietnam previously indicated interest in deeper BRICS engagement—evidenced by its leader’s participation in BRICS+—Hanoi remains cautious about full membership to preserve strategic ties with Western partners, including the U.S..
About Vietnam
Prime minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Capital: Hanoi
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