Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister, Taher Baour, reaffirmed the Government of National Unity’s interest in joining the BRICS group and exploring cooperation opportunities with member countries.
In an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency published on Tuesday, Baour stated that Libya is keen on joining BRICS and that discussions on this possibility are underway within the unity government.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, he said, “We are interested in joining BRICS, recognising the potential benefits that Libya could gain from such a membership.”
He added, “Currently, we are studying the feasibility of joining BRICS within government circles. This requires an in-depth analysis and assessment of the advantages it could bring to Libya.” Baour also noted that Libya was not invited to the recent BRICS summit, despite its desire to attend and explore potential opportunities within the group.
Russia hosted the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi last Saturday, aiming to strengthen ties between Moscow and African nations over a two-day event.
Last month, the Libyan Investment Minister of the Parliament-designate government, Ali Al-Saeedi, stated that joining the BRICS group could unlock significant economic opportunities for Libya. However, he emphasised that such a move requires strong political will to be realised.
Al-Saeedi highlighted that membership in the BRICS bloc would help Libya diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on the US dollar. He believes that aligning with BRICS countries would provide the country with access to alternative financial systems and global markets.
“The economic prospects are excellent, but the decision to join BRICS needs firm political resolve,” Al-Saeedi told Sputnik news.
The minister also noted that becoming a BRICS member would allow Libya to explore partnerships with emerging economies, helping the country reduce its dependence on Western financial institutions.
