Given the increasing attention surrounding the BRICS group's standing, Argentina's decision, as a middle-sized country and member of the G20, to withdraw from the organization is a noteworthy move.
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| Diana Mondino speaking at the 29th UIA Industry Conference. (Source: infobae) |
On November 29th, speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Argentine Industrial Association conference, Diana Mondino, appointed by President-elect Javier Milei as Foreign Minister in his cabinet, affirmed that, according to the new government 's plan, Argentina will not join BRICS.
Ms. Mondino's statement did not surprise the public. The reason is that as early as the end of August this year, when the then-President Alberto Fernandez happily announced the BRICS decision to accept Argentina's application to join along with five other countries, Mr. Milei had already asserted that Argentina under his leadership would not join BRICS due to ideological differences with the organization's member countries.
Future Foreign Minister Mondino softened Milei's statement, explaining that Argentina's reason for not joining BRICS was that it had not yet seen any comparative economic benefits from the organization and that "as far as I know, BRICS is more of a political alliance than a commercial institution between countries, and in fact Argentina already has diplomatic and trade relations with most of the members of this organization."
On this occasion, Ms. Mondino also affirmed that the new government's foreign policy is to support multilateralism and is ready to participate in international organizations based on the principles of international law, human rights , and free trade. According to her, Mr. Milei's government supports the signing of the EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement, although she acknowledges that this agreement will bring both opportunities and challenges for Argentina.
Given the increasing attention surrounding BRICS's standing and the numerous countries that have applied for membership and are awaiting approval, Argentina's decision, as a middle-sized country and member of the G20, not to join the organization is a noteworthy move.
This could be an opportunity for the BRICS countries to review and reassess the organization's operating criteria, implement reforms and new measures to increase its attractiveness, and it is not ruled out that Argentina may change its decision to join in the future because in international relations, "only interests are permanent."
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