HANOI — Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed Vietnam’s readiness to work with BRICS nations, stating the country’s commitment to cooperating with the global group to build “a better world for all.” His comments, made during his first attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, come as Vietnam considers its strategic partnerships and potential membership in the bloc.
“Vietnam stands ready to work with BRICS countries and the international community,” said Chinh, according to a statement on the government’s online portal. While Chinh did not explicitly state Vietnam’s intent to join BRICS, government officials had previously hinted at possible interest in the bloc, though details and timing remain uncertain.
The three-day summit concluded with a declaration that members endorsed a new “BRICS Partner Country Category,” a potential pathway for countries like Vietnam to join. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that over 30 countries had expressed interest, although membership conditions were not specified.
Prime Minister Chinh’s attendance highlights Vietnam’s robust ties with BRICS countries, including strong economic relations with China and defense ties with Russia. During bilateral meetings in Kazan, Chinh discussed energy cooperation with Putin and Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, as Vietnam considers reviving its nuclear energy program. He also met Chinese President Xi Jinping, with talks reportedly covering potential rail link projects between the two neighboring nations.
Vietnam’s engagement with BRICS reflects its ongoing strategy of maintaining balanced international relations. However, a formal application to BRICS could shift this balance, as the bloc is often perceived as challenging the Western-led global order, which may complicate Vietnam’s recently elevated ties with the United States.
BRICS, an economic grouping originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Among the applicants are other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Malaysia. Vietnam’s closer alignment with BRICS may raise eyebrows in Washington, where the Biden administration has heavily invested in strengthening its relationship with Hanoi.
A Hanoi-based Western diplomat suggested that while the West may not look favorably on a Vietnamese application to BRICS, it is unlikely to interfere directly. The U.S. embassy in Hanoi did not comment on the development.