By John Ikani
Tunisia is eyeing a potential alliance with the BRICS nations bloc, which includes emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
BRICS members currently account for nearly a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product.
According to Mahmoud bin Mabrouk, a spokesperson for the pro-presidential July 25 Movement in Tunisia, the country is currently negotiating the terms for joining the bloc.
“We will accept no dictates or interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs. We are negotiating the terms, but we refuse to receive instructions and the EU’s agenda,” said bin Mabrouk in remarks to the Arab News Agency.
Tunisian President Kais Saied has been critical of what he sees as the IMF’s meddling in his country’s affairs, particularly with regard to the organization’s offer of $1.9 billion in loans.
Mabrouk claimed that joining the BRICS bloc would allow Tunisia to benefit from significant economic gains that would improve social conditions within the country.
Heritage Times HT had earlier reported that Algeria, Africa’s largest natural gas exporter, is also perfecting moves to join the BRICS economic group.
According to Bin Mabrouk went on to say: “After Algeria announced that it will join the group, we will also announce our intention to join BRICS.”
