“Venezuela sees BRICS as a new choice for the world, a new choice of unity, a new modern world and economic order,” the top diplomat told TASS in an interview.

He recalled that “Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has already announced the submission of a formal application for the country to join BRICS.”

“We believe that we can make an important contribution to BRICS because Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, more than 300 billion barrels,” Gil said. “Venezuela has an advanced infrastructure and can become an energy hub for BRICS,” the minister suggested. “BRICS is an emerging world with new opportunities for industrial, economic, agricultural, commercial and financial development,” he pointed out.

“The summit to be held in South Africa on August 22-24 will open a new and undoubtedly successful phase for BRICS,” Gil emphasized. “And we look forward to participating in it,” the minister added.