According to the presidency on Friday, Argentine President Javier Milei has formally declined an invitation to join the BRICS group of major emerging economies by sending letters to the leaders of those countries.
In an attempt to challenge the global order headed by the West, the bloc—which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—announced in August that it would be taking in six new members.
Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia were scheduled to join on January 1, 2024.
Several media outlets released letters signed by Milei stating that Argentina's membership was "not considered appropriate at this time."
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After soundly defeating Argentina's established political parties in the election, Milei, a libertarian outsider, took office this month. During the campaign, he committed not to join BRICS.
His foreign policy "differs in many aspects from that of the previous government," he wrote in his letters. Thus, a few decisions from the previous government will be examined."
Milei declared, "Our geopolitical alignment is with the United States and Israel" during his campaign for office. We refuse to ally with communists."
He has adopted a more accommodative stance since taking office, despite his earlier vow to sever relations with China and Brazil, two of his biggest trading partners.
