International
Russia reveals that the BRICS are considering adding about 15 countries to the group as partners
The members of the BRICS, a group led by Russia and China, are studying the entry of 15 countries into their group as partners, revealed today the Kremlin’s advisor for international affairs, Yuri Ushakov.
“The leaders (of the BRICS) will decide which group of countries could be included in the category of partner states. 15 are currently being considered,” Ushakov told the TASS agency when commenting on the agenda of the BRICS leaders during the summit in the Russian city of Kazan next week.
He explained that the partners will be elected according to several criteria, in particular for their influence on regional and international affairs.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that about thirty countries had expressed their interest in participating in joining the BRICS in one way or another.
Entry into the group
Among the states that have publicly expressed their interest in joining this group, currently made up of nine countries, are Cuba, Venezuela, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Malaysia and others.
Brazil, Russia, India and China created the BRIC group in 2006, which South Africa joined in 2010 by adding the letter ‘S’ to the acronym.
Meanwhile, in 2024 the group included four other members: Egypt, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.
Saudi Arabia, for its part, weighs its participation in the bloc as a full member, a situation that could be clarified during the meeting in Kazan.
More than 20 heads of state and government are expected to arrive at the BRICS summit in Kazan, including the leaders of member countries, most of whom will hold bilateral meetings with the head of the Kremlin.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
International
Trump says Iran seeks new talks after failed negotiations in Pakistan
Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran has reached out to United States to resume negotiations, following the collapse of recent talks held in Islamabad.
“We’ve been contacted by the other side,” Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is eager to reach a deal “at all costs.” Speaking from the Oval Office, he reiterated that his main objective is to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons and warned that he will not allow Iran to “blackmail” the international community.
After negotiations between Washington and Tehran ended without agreement on Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. would move to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade.
The waterway had already been disrupted by Iran in response to a U.S. and Israeli offensive launched on February 28, causing significant shocks to the global economy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump further warned that any Iranian vessel attempting to bypass the U.S. naval blockade in the strait would be “eliminated immediately.”
The renewed tensions have pushed oil prices higher, while global stock markets have reacted negatively to the lack of an agreement in Islamabad.
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