Indonesia starts process to join Brics

It sees grouping as vehicle to further interests of Global South, says minister

Indonesia has expressed its desire to join the Brics group of major emerging economies, which accounts for 35 percent of global economic output, as a means to strengthen emerging countries, its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

As Brics world leaders convened in Kazan, Russia, for a summit this week, Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said late on Oct 24 that the process of joining the group has begun.

"Indonesia joining Brics is a manifestation of its independent-active foreign policy," said newly appointed Foreign Minister Sugiono, whose name, like for many Indonesians, has just one word.

"That does not mean we join a certain bloc, but we actively participate in every forum."

Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous nation, holds a non-aligned foreign policy.