Harare — Zimbabwe has formally started the process of joining the BRICS bloc following a diplomatic engagement with Brazil, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the group. The meeting took place in Harare on Monday between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, and Brazil’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Vilmar Rogeiro Coutinho Jr.
Murwira received a courtesy call from the ambassador early in the morning, during which they discussed bilateral relations, with a focus on agriculture, agro-technology, and broader multilateral issues. The talks also touched on Zimbabwe’s formal application to join the BRICS grouping, as part of its foreign policy stance shaped by the doctrine of being “a friend to all and enemy to none.” This approach underlines Zimbabwe’s commitment to non-alignment, active diplomacy, and mutually beneficial international relations.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Murwira said Brazil is providing guidance on the procedural steps Zimbabwe must take to become a BRICS member. “We have had a lot of positive exchanges and good guidance from Brazil as chair of BRICS on steps that we must take, which we are already taking,” he said. 
Ambassador Coutinho confirmed that both countries are working together towards a successful conclusion of the membership process. “Zimbabwe has expressed a clear interest in joining BRICS, and we are working together towards a successful conclusion,” he said.
BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. The bloc was established in 2006 to advance south-south cooperation and promote inclusive development through shared initiatives. South Africa joined in 2010, becoming the first African country in the group.
