Carlos Fernandes Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version of the text:
South Africa, this year’s BRICS summit host, had previously asserted that Morocco was one of 23 nations that had formally requested to join the economic alliance. Morocco has now dismissed this claim, as reported by its state news agency, Maghreb Agence Presse (MAP), quoting an anonymous official from Morocco’s Foreign Ministry.
Despite Maintaining Positive Relationships With Four BRICS Nations, Morocco Won’t Participate in Summit
Last week, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, listed 23 countries, including Morocco, that have applied to join BRICS, a bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Other listed countries were Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Cuba, Honduras, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
Yet, Morocco’s state media reported on Saturday that no formal request was made to become a BRICS member. Reuters also cited the agency’s statement:
Without prior consultation, South Africa commented on Morocco’s connections with BRICS.
The publication further commented on South Africa’s historical opposition towards Morocco, particularly regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue. Despite this, Morocco continues to embrace an approach of non-divisive multilateralism, enjoying positive relationships with other BRICS nations.
Although Morocco has significant and growing bilateral ties with four of the BRICS members, the kingdom “has never formally applied to join the BRICS group,” the source from Morocco’s foreign ministry was quoted as saying. The source also noted the lack of a defined framework or procedures for the group’s expansion.
Furthermore, the Moroccan official revealed that the country would not be present at the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for Aug. 22-24. While all BRICS leaders are anticipated to attend, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be absent in person.
Morocco’s non-participation is rooted in its refusal to respond positively to South Africa’s unilateral invitation to the BRICS-Africa meeting, as the source highlighted. Tensions have also been stoked by South Africa’s support for the Polisario Front, who seeks independence in Western Sahara, a region claimed by Morocco.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has invited 67 leaders from various continents and 20 representatives from major global organizations, including the United Nations secretary-general, the African Union Commission chairperson, and the New Development Bank president. Additionally, South Africa’s leading BRICS diplomat, Anil Sooklal, mentioned in July that over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the economic bloc.
What are your thoughts on Morocco’s rebuttal of South Africa’s assertion that it has applied to become a BRICS member? Share your views in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Morocco
Has Morocco applied to join the BRICS economic bloc?
No, Morocco has reportedly denied the claim made by South Africa that it has formally applied to join the BRICS group. According to a source in the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morocco has never made a formal request to join the group.
Who are the 23 countries that have formally applied to join the BRICS, according to South Africa?
The countries listed by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation as having applied to join BRICS are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Cuba, Honduras, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
Will Morocco attend the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa?
No, the Moroccan official has stated that Morocco will not attend the BRICS’ upcoming summit in South Africa, and it has never been a question of responding positively to the invitation to the BRICS-Africa meeting planned in South Africa.
Why is there tension between Morocco and South Africa?
The tension between Morocco and South Africa stems from South Africa’s support for the Polisario Front, which seeks to establish an independent state in Western Sahara, a territory that Morocco claims as its own. South Africa’s stance on this issue has led to negative and dogmatic positions on Morocco’s part.
Who else has been invited to the BRICS summit?
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has invited 67 leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as 20 representatives from major international organizations, including the secretary-general of the United Nations, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the president of the New Development Bank, also known as the BRICS Bank.
5 comments
South africa’s involvement with the Polisario Front is quite contentious, isn’t it? its like they’re playing politics on an international stage. Not cool.
Didn’t know that so many countries are interested in BRICS. Makes sense I guess. But this Morocco issue…it seems like a deeper political play. Who knows whats really going on?
BRICS keeps growing, 23 countries applying, wow! But Morocco not attending the summit, thats a strong statement.
Cant believe Morocco didnt apply to join BRICS! I thought they were keen on boosting their economy, what’s going on here?
This whole situation is confusing. Why would S.A say Morocco applied if they didnt? somethings fishy here