Saudi Arabia to be Represented by Foreign Minister at BRICS Summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia. Instead, Saudi Arabia's representation will be by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. BRICS, an economic group originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has expanded to include several other nations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to skip the forthcoming BRICS summit to be hosted in Russia, as confirmed by Kremlin sources. The forum will see representation from Saudi Arabia through the Kingdom's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The summit will gather nine of the 10 BRICS member states' leaders, based on statements from President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. Notably, the BRICS collective includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, along with newer members—South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The significance of BRICS is highlighted by its encompassing 45% of the global population, a substantial portion of oil production, and a quarter of global goods exports. Originally coined 'BRIC' by economist Jim O'Neill in 2003, the group was envisioned as a counterbalance to Western economies. Nevertheless, critics have pointed out its internal contradictions despite its economic heft led by China.

(With inputs from agencies.)