For the BRICS economic alliance, 2023 marked a pivotal year with the introduction of its first significant expansion since its inception.

This expansion aimed to extend the bloc from five to ten nations, enhancing its economic and geopolitical clout on the global stage. However, the anticipation around the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, a key global oil player, has been a focal point of discussions and speculations.

Despite the eagerness from both sides, Saudi Arabia's commitment to joining the BRICS alliance remained unclear for months. In January, while other invited nations quickly joined the alliance, Saudi Arabia announced it was still evaluating its options.

This period of indecision has been closely watched by international observers, given the kingdom's significant influence in global energy markets.

The silence was finally broken with a telephonic conversation between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Official sources confirmed the leaders discussed their countries' ongoing cooperation, particularly within the OPEC+ framework, and expressed mutual interest in continuing to develop beneficial initiatives.

"The two leaders reported expressed their willingness to continue in cooperative relationships."

This conversation not only reaffirmed the existing ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia but also indicated Riyadh's leaning towards formalizing its BRICS membership.

While no specific timeline was provided, the dialogue has been interpreted as a positive step towards Saudi Arabia's eventual inclusion in the alliance.

As the BRICS bloc continues to navigate its expansion and the complexities of international diplomacy, the eventual inclusion of Saudi Arabia could represent a significant shift in global economic dynamics, particularly in the context of the bloc's efforts towards de-dollarization.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the final outcome of this long-anticipated partnership.