Palestine applies for BRICS membership: Envoy

Beijing: Palestine has applied for membership in BRICS as more countries recognised it as a state in recent weeks, a Palestinian diplomat said on Friday.

Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal told Russian media outlets that no response had yet been received to the application.

"We have submitted an application, but, as you know, Palestine has certain conditions. I believe Palestine will participate in the association as a guest until those conditions allow it to become a full member. We haven't received a response yet," Nofal said.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia joined in 2025.

Commenting on the Palestinian envoy’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a media briefing that China welcomed more "like-minded partners" to join BRICS cooperation.

"BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, and a source of strong impetus for multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations," Guo said.

"The platform is widely recognised by Global South countries. We welcome more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation and jointly work for a more just and equitable international order," he added.

This week, Canada, Australia, Portugal and the UK recognised Palestine as a state.