Brian Jeffrey
On the night of June 14, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pham Thu Hang, addressed inquiries from the press regarding Brazil’s recent recognition of Vietnam as a BRICS partner.
Hang stated, “In alignment with our proactive strategy for comprehensive and effective global integration, Vietnam has been actively contributing and will continue to contribute to multilateral mechanisms, organizations, and forums that promote peace, stability, cooperation, and development at both regional and global levels.”
Vietnam’s active involvement in international organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and the expanded G7 and G20 formats, as well as the OECD, highlights its aim to amplify the voice and influence of developing nations.
As a newly recognized BRICS Partner Country, Vietnam aspires to foster global solidarity and enhance a collaborative, rules-based international system. This goal aligns with the nation’s long-standing foreign policy focused on independence, self-sufficiency, and diverse international relationships, establishing Vietnam as a reliable and responsible member of the global community.
Brazil, which is serving as the rotating BRICS president in 2025, pointed to Vietnam’s vibrant economy and its population of nearly 100 million as significant reasons for this recognition.
In their official announcement, Brazil remarked: “Vietnam emerges as an essential partner in Asia. The country aligns with BRICS’ mission to cultivate a more equitable and inclusive global framework. Its strong advocacy for South-South cooperation and sustainable development affirms shared goals with the bloc.”
BRICS is a coalition of emerging markets that represents over 40% of the world’s population and about one-quarter of the global GDP. Initially established in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group later grew to include South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
With this recognition, Vietnam becomes the 10th country designated as a BRICS partner, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The “partner country” status, introduced during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, enables broader engagement without necessitating full membership.
