ISTANBUL

Indonesia has started the process to become a BRICS member, its newly appointed Foreign Minister Sugiono said.

This came as the Russian city of Kazan hosted the 16th summit of heads of BRICS member states as well as an expanded format along with leaders and representatives of those nations seeking to join the emerging economic group.

"Indonesia's decision to apply to join BRICS is a manifestation of our free and active foreign policy," said Sugiono, who was sworn in as top diplomat earlier this week.

Sugiono, a former soldier, is a long-time aide of President Prabowo Subianto who assumed presidency last Sunday, after winning the elections earlier this year.

The foreign minister also indicated the Prabowo administration’s foreign policy options.

"It does not mean we align with any specific bloc, but rather that we actively participate in all forums,” said Sugiono, who goes by a single name.

“We also view that BRICS' priorities are in line with Indonesia’s new administration’s program, including food and energy security, poverty eradication, and human resource development,” he added.

By joining BRICS, Sugiono said: “Indonesia seeks to elevate the common interests of developing countries or the Global South.”

“We view BRICS as the right platform to discuss and advance the shared interests of the Global South… However, we will also maintain our engagement with other forums and continue discussions with developed countries,” said Sugiono.

The BRICS summit includes longtime members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – the source of the group’s name – along with recent additions Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the summit as a guest.

The BRICS organizing committee said 36 countries attended the meeting, 22 of which were represented by heads of state, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The summit was attended by leaders from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, as well as representatives of several international organizations.