Lavrov commented on Kazakhstan's refusal to join BRICS

The situation with Kazakhstan's refusal to join BRICS requires clarification. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.

"We need to clarify this position," the Russian Foreign Minister said.

He added that Kazakhstan is a member of many other organizations — the OSCE, the CIS, the CSTO, the SCO and an active member of the Organization of Turkic States, which, at the initiative of Turkey, are now strengthening ties and are on the rise.

"The Organization pays great attention to representatives of our Central Asian allies and strategic partners. None of this prevents either Kazakhstan or other Central Asian countries from actively participating in the United Nations, which is a universal structure, but which is currently experiencing a crisis through no fault of our own. It seems to me that ultimately our southern neighbors, allies in the CSTO, in the EAEU, first of all, will see for themselves the direct benefits of rapprochement with the BRICS. It is not necessary to join, but there is no doubt to cooperate in the implementation of specific projects. This is in the interests of all of us," Lavrov further said.

Earlier, the press secretary of the Kazakh president said that Kazakhstan would refrain from applying for membership in BRICS for the time being, since Tokayev prefers the UN "as a universal and non-alternative organization in which it is possible and necessary to discuss all current international problems, including those related to the construction of a just world order."