The Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, tried to put pressure “at the last minute” to get Venezuela included in the list of countries associated with the BRICS, to which Brazil reacted by speaking out “emphatically” against it, they told EFE this Friday. government sources.
Brazil refused to allow Venezuela to join the list of associated countries because, “at this time,” relations between both countries “are not friendly,” according to the sources.
The list of thirteen countries that will be associated with the BRICS, which has not yet been officially approved, was agreed by consensus among the representatives of the nine members of this forum at a meeting held on Tuesday in the Russian city of Kazan.
Initially, according to sources, they were working with a list of twelve countries and Algeria was included in that meeting.
The list of thirteen countries, leaked to the press, is made up of Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Brazil does not give the go-ahead
According to sources, Maduro tried a “last minute move” by talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to get the Caribbean country on the list.
This pressure led Brazil to demonstrate “more emphatically” against the entry of Caracas, causing “irritation” in the Venezuelan government.
At the end of the summit, the Government of Nicolás Maduro described Brazil’s veto as a “hostile gesture” and an “aggression” against the nation’s interests.
In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry expressed that with this veto it is “reproducing the hatred, exclusion and intolerance promoted from Western power centers to prevent, for now, the entry of Bolívar’s homeland into this organization.”
Effect of elections
Relations between Caracas and Brasilia have deteriorated as a result of the Venezuelan presidential elections on July 28, in which the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner, in a decision questioned by the opposition.
Brazil has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory and has repeatedly asked that Venezuelan authorities release the electoral records to demonstrate Maduro’s victory over opponent Edmundo González Urrutia.
Together with Colombia and Mexico, Brazil is trying to articulate mediation between Chavismo and the opposition to try to resolve the crisis.
Conformation
After the disagreement at the Kazan summit, the BRICS are left with nine member countries, plus Saudi Arabia as a Alex Reed country, and the list of thirteen possible associated countries.
The BRICS were originally the main emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), but last year the bloc expanded to include the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Given the refusal of some members to continue with the enlargement, the bloc opted at this summit to create the category of associated country.
The next step will be a round of consultations led by Russia with the thirteen new partners agreed by consensus, before completing their official entry into that category.
São Paulo / EFE
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Interview with Dr. Laura Martínez, International Relations Expert
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martínez. We just learned that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro attempted to pressure for Venezuela’s inclusion in the BRICS associated countries list at the last minute. What can you tell us about the significance of this move?
Dr. Martínez: Thank you for having me. Maduro’s attempt to gain entry into BRICS reflects Venezuela’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international alliances, particularly under its current economic hardships. Being associated with BRICS could potentially open doors for investment and economic partnership, which is crucial for Venezuela.
Interviewer: Brazil responded emphatically against this last-minute push. What does this hint at regarding Venezuela’s relations with Brazil?
Dr. Martínez: Brazil’s rejection indicates a significant strain in bilateral relations. The current Brazilian government is keen on distancing itself from Maduro’s administration due to various reasons, including human rights concerns and geopolitical strategies. This move reinforces Brazil’s stance and demonstrates that the political and diplomatic tides have changed in the region.
Interviewer: The list of associated countries was leaked, showing twelve nations, with Venezuela notably absent. Why is this significant?
Dr. Martínez: The exclusion of Venezuela is significant not only for the country’s foreign relations but also for its internal politics. The fact that countries like Algeria and others from the Global South are included highlights a shift in alliances. For Maduro’s government, being sidelined from such an influential group can be perceived as a diplomatic isolation.
Interviewer: Reports indicate that Maduro tried to leverage support from Russian President Vladimir Putin to get on the list. How does this align with Venezuela’s broader strategy?
Dr. Martínez: It aligns with Venezuela’s strategy of seeking allies in a multipolar world. Moscow has been a key ally, and Maduro’s outreach to Putin shows that he is leveraging existing relationships in hopes of countering Western influence. However, it also illuminates the challenges Venezuela faces in cultivating regional support, particularly when its immediate neighbors, like Brazil, are not in sync with its foreign policy.
Interviewer: At the summit, Maduro’s government described Brazil’s veto as a “hostile gesture.” What implications does this have for future interactions between these countries?
Dr. Martínez: Such statements can escalate tensions and lead to further diplomatic rifts. It reflects a growing antagonism that may hinder future cooperation in areas such as trade, regional security, and even tackling issues like migration. The historical context of both nations reminds us that relationships in this area are often complex, particularly when political ideologies clash.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martínez, for sharing your insights on this unfolding situation. We appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Martínez: My pleasure! It’s an evolving situation, and we will continue to watch how these dynamics play out in the region.
Eived as an international setback, further isolating Venezuela during a time of dire economic need.
Interviewer: We saw that Maduro described Brazil’s veto as a “hostile gesture.” How does this kind of rhetoric influence the geopolitical landscape in Latin America?
Dr. Martínez: Such rhetoric could lead to increased tensions between Venezuela and Brazil, and potentially affect relations with other countries in the region. It may embolden Maduro to adopt a more confrontational stance domestically and abroad, rallying nationalist sentiments against perceived external aggressions. This could also provoke reactions from Brazil and its allies, who are already wary of Maduro’s governance and its implications for regional stability.
Interviewer: You mentioned the deteriorating relations due to the recent elections in Venezuela. How might this electoral situation affect ongoing political negotiations in Latin America?
Dr. Martínez: The lack of recognition from Brazil towards Maduro’s election diminishes the legitimacy of his government on the international stage. This can complicate negotiations aimed at resolving the political crisis in Venezuela. Brazil’s desire to mediate alongside Colombia and Mexico emphasizes the urgency of addressing the situation. However, any effective dialogue will require a consensus on the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government, which remains elusive.
Interviewer: what do you foresee for the future of BRICS given these dynamics?
Dr. Martínez: The BRICS will likely continue to grapple with expansion and how to manage member relations amid differing political climates. The introduction of associated countries can provide flexibility, but the dynamics between existing members, especially regarding controversial regimes like Venezuela’s, will influence future decisions. As countries navigate their own geopolitical interests, BRICS may see both opportunities for growth and challenges in maintaining cohesion among its members.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martínez, for your insights on this complex situation!
Dr. Martínez: It was my pleasure! Thank you for having me.
