Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday confirmed that a member of the five-nation summit BRICS “blocked Pakistan’s participation” in a dialogue on Global Development held virtually on June 24 for non-member states.
The High-level Dialogue on Global Development was attended by leaders from 13 key emerging markets and developing countries including Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Malaysia and Thailand.
Pakistan’s absence from the meeting raised eyebrows in the country since Pakistan and China are known as all-weather strategic partners.
In response to media queries over the matter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without naming the country, said: “Regrettably one member blocked Pakistan’s participation.”
Experts believe that the country blocking Pakistan’s participation was India.
The statement also said that “China being the host country engaged with Pakistan prior to the BRICS meetings, where decisions are taken after consultations with all BRICS members, including extending invitation to non-members.”
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office added that “we do hope that future engagement of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity keeping in view the overall interests of the developing world and in a manner that is devoid of narrow geopolitical considerations”.
Pakistan also appreciated China’s role in promoting the interests of the developing countries. “Together with China, Pakistan has been a strong voice for global peace, shared prosperity and inclusive development. Pakistan is the current chair of G77+China and also part of group of friends of the Global Development Initiative(GDI).”
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) brings together five of the largest developing countries in the world, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP and 16% share of global trade. This year’s BRICS summit was hosted by China virtually.