23 October 2024 | 08:25

Kazakhstan continues to face criticism over decision on BRICS membership – expert

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Tengrinews.kz - Political analyst Gaziz Abishev commented on the ongoing criticism directed at Kazakhstan regarding its decision not to join BRICS in the near future, stating that foreign critics are unfairly targeting the country for exercising its sovereign right.

Tengrinews.kz - Political analyst Gaziz Abishev commented on the ongoing criticism directed at Kazakhstan regarding its decision not to join BRICS in the near future, stating that foreign critics are unfairly targeting the country for exercising its sovereign right.

Abishev emphasized that Kazakhstan, despite having good relations with BRICS member countries and participating in its summits, has every right to refrain from joining the organization.

"Some foreign critics just won't let it go, continuing to criticize Kazakhstan for openly and honestly stating that it is not planning to accept the invitation to join BRICS for now. It seems necessary to reiterate a few key points.
First, these critics seem to imply that if Kazakhstan is invited to BRICS, it must immediately join, or else it will be seen as a hostile move. That’s not how it works. Kazakhstan has good relations with BRICS members, participates in BRICS summits, and does not criticize the organization. However, it exercises its sovereign right not to join. This doesn't break any obligations or promises, nor does it harm anyone’s interests or represent any immoral action," Abishev wrote on his Telegram channel.

He further noted that claims that Kazakhstan's decision is influenced by Western pressure are baseless.

"This is an attempt to paint everything in black and white: if you refuse the invitation, it means you've bent to the West. The possibility that Kazakhstan is simply choosing not to join for its own reasons is conveniently ignored – and that’s the main mistake."

Abishev also questioned the current structure of BRICS, asking for evidence of its governing bodies and strategic development plans.

"Once we see these things formalized on paper, we can have a serious discussion about what BRICS is and why it would need Kazakhstan as a full member."

He went on to argue that, in the context of the global divide between the West and the East, there seems to be a push to form an anti-Western coalition under the guise of BRICS+, using smaller countries as pawns in a geopolitical conflict.

Abishev reminded that Kazakhstan is already an active participant in multiple international organizations, including the CIS, CSTO, EAEU, SCO, and CICA, and engages in multilateral dialogue.

He concluded by saying that the ongoing pressure to join BRICS is starting to feel like an attempt to undermine Kazakhstan's independent and pragmatic foreign policy, which is focused on protecting national interests.

Earlier, Presidential Press Secretary Berik Uali told Tengrinews.kz that while President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had received invitations for Kazakhstan to join BRICS, the country would likely refrain from applying for membership in the foreseeable future, citing the complex membership process and other factors.

CGTN reporter Kaiyi Dai analyzed how this decision aligns with the country’s strategic vision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance in geopolitical alliances and upholding its multi-vector foreign policy approach.

Kazakhstan BRICS membership expert opinion analysis

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