Cuba Joins BRICS: President Díaz-Canel confirms Cuba’s participation as an associate member in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking a historic milestone in South-South cooperation and global multipolarity.

Related: BRICS Summit Opens in Brazil as Global South Leaders Arrive

🇨🇺 Cuba Joins BRICS AND Makes History

On July 6, 2025, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez confirmed his attendance at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Cuba will participate for the first time as an associate member of the influential geopolitical bloc.

This marks a significant step in Cuba’s foreign policy strategy, aligning with its long-standing commitment to South-South cooperation and anti-imperialist diplomacy. The island nation’s inclusion as an associate member was agreed upon during the Kazan Summit in October 2024 and officially formalized this year, symbolizing international recognition of Cuba’s resilience amid decades of economic blockade and external pressures.

The summit represents a new chapter in Cuba’s integration into emerging global alliances that challenge traditional Western-dominated power structures.

🔗 Internal Link: Read more about Cuba’s foreign policy →

BRICS Expansion: A Shift Toward Global Multipolarity

The BRICS summit — held under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation in the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” — has become a key platform for developing nations to advocate for reforms in global governance.

Originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011, the bloc expanded significantly in 2024 to include Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. This expansion reflects the rising influence of the Global South in shaping economic and political agendas on the world stage.

Cuba’s participation as an associate member underscores the growing importance of Caribbean and Latin American nations within this evolving multilateral framework.

🔗 External Link (DoFollow): Official BRICS Summit Website →

Díaz-Canel’s Diplomacy and Latin American Solidarity

This is the second time President Díaz-Canel attends a BRICS Summit. Previously, Cuba joins BRICS he participated in the 2023 summit in Johannesburg as President of the Group of 77 plus China, reinforcing Cuba’s leadership role in advocating for equity in international development.

As an associate member, Cuba now plays a stronger role in discussions on economic development, social justice, and sovereignty, aligning with its long-standing diplomatic principles.

Brazil, as host country, extended invitations to other Latin American leaders, including those from Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, and Mexico, signaling a regional push for unity and shared strategies against global challenges.

President Díaz-Canel described the BRICS association as “essential to break the chains of dependency and build a future of dignity and development for our peoples,” reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to Latin American unity and resistance to imperialism.

🔗 External Link (DoFollow): Biography of Miguel Díaz-Canel – BBC Mundo →

Toward a More Inclusive International Governance

The agenda of the 17th BRICS Summit includes proposals aimed at reforming multilateral institutions, promoting democratic decision-making, and enhancing scientific and technological cooperation among Southern nations.

Cuba, known for its contributions to education, healthcare, and solidarity missions worldwide, brings valuable experience to these discussions. Its presence reinforces the bloc’s mission to create a multipolar world order that respects national sovereignty and promotes equitable development.

As the summit unfolds in Rio de Janeiro, it emerges as a critical moment for strengthening the Global South, building strategic alliances, and challenging traditional hegemonies. For Cuba, this marks a pivotal opportunity to expand its diplomatic reach and contribute to a more just and inclusive international system.

📝 Executive Summary:

• Cuba Joins BRICS: Cuba participates for the first time in the BRICS Summit as an associate member, marking a historic milestone in its international integration.
• The summit focuses on strengthening South-South cooperation and reforming global governance institutions.
• President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasizes the importance of breaking dependency chains and building regional unity.
• BRICS expands its membership, reflecting the growing influence of the Global South in global affairs.
• Cuba’s participation strengthens its diplomatic position and contributes to the construction of a multipolar world order.

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