Indonesia seeks BRICS membership

JAKARTA -- Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, has officially expressed the intention to join BRICS, viewing the multinational group as a vital platform to strengthen cooperation among developing countries.

The intention was presented by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday local time.

"Our aim in joining BRICS reflects our independent and active foreign policy," Sugiono stated in a written statement.

He added that BRICS' priorities align closely with the goals of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, including food and energy security, poverty reduction, and human resource development.

"We see BRICS as the right vehicle to discuss and advance the common interests of the Global South," Sugiono said.