Economy: Why does Palestine absolutely want to join BRICS now?

Faced with a constantly changing international context and internal challenges exacerbated by the conflict in Gaza, Palestine is seeking to redefine its strategic positioning on the world stage. It is with this in mind that the country is considering submitting a formal application for membership in the BRICS, an increasingly influential group of emerging economies. Personally invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the upcoming summit in Kazan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sees this move as an opportunity to diversify Palestine’s alliances, strengthen its diplomatic influence, and free itself from dependence on Western aid. This geopolitical turning point could well mark a decisive chapter for Palestine in its quest for recognition and autonomy on the international stage.

Palestine and its quest for BRICS membership

In a recent statement, Abdel Hafiz Nofal, the Palestinian ambassador to Moscow, confirmed that Palestine plans to submit a formal application for BRICS membership after the planned summit in Kazan. This announcement follows a personal invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the summitThis invitation sounds like an implicit recognition of the importance of Palestine in international discussions, despite the difficult context of the conflict in Gaza.

Palestine aspires to partner with emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which recently joined BRICS. This expansion of the group represents a unique opportunity for Palestine to diversify its economic and political alliances, while benefiting from a global platform to assert its rights and aspirations. Indeed, beyond the economic challenges, BRICS membership would offer Palestine a path to strengthen its diplomatic position and gain new support on the international stage.

A new geopolitical strategy at stake

Palestine’s strategy to join BRICS could profoundly transform its international standing. By integrating into this group of emerging economies, it could reduce its dependence on Western aid and diversify its sources of economic and diplomatic support. This bold move could also strengthen international solidarity with the Palestinian cause, while providing economic opportunities through bilateral and multilateral agreements within the group.

However, this initiative could also generate mixed reactions from Palestine’s traditional partners, especially those that have strained relations with some BRICS members. BRICS foreign policy could be significantly affected, especially if Palestine uses this platform to promote resolutions regarding the situation in the Middle East. Moreover, this attempt to join such a divisive bloc reflects Palestine’s desire to play a more active and influential role on the international stage, despite the many obstacles to overcome.