On Saturday, Morocco refuted media reports suggesting its potential participation in the BRICS meeting in South Africa and its potential membership in the group of emerging nations. The reason cited for this was the strained relationship with the host country.

Morocco and South Africa are currently in a dispute over Western Sahara. This region is categorized by the United Nations as a "non-self-governing territory" and was formerly a Spanish colony known for its phosphate wealth and access to Atlantic fishing waters.

In 1975, Morocco annexed part of the region – a region indigenous to the Sahrawi people – and its entirety in 1979.

Few have accepted these actions: today, 82 countries recognize Western Sahara’s independence, while only the United States and the Israeli occupation recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the land. 

Read more: 'Israel', Morocco and Western Sahara; it's deeper than we thought: MPN

A Moroccan foreign ministry official stated that from the beginning, Morocco "ruled out...any favorable reaction to the South African invitation." 

The BRICS summit will take place in Johannesburg from August 22-24. The permanent members are anticipated to consider bids for membership from at least 19 nations, something Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed would strengthen the group.

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor announced in early August that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa invited a total of 67 country leaders and 20 representatives of international organizations to the BRICS summit, France not included.

The diplomat underscored Morocco's dedication to upholding "substantial and promising bilateral relations" with Brazil, Russia, India, and China. However, it was stressed that the nation "never formally applied for membership in the BRICS group."

Additionally, the official cautioned South Africa against employing multilateral platforms to "foster division," emphasizing that "Morocco remains steadfast in its commitment to effective, collaborative, and revitalized multilateralism."

Modi will not attend BRICS summit citing Putin's absence: Sputnik

It is worth noting that Sputnik reported earlier that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be absent from the upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa due to the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier on July 19, the South African presidency announced that Putin will not be attending the summit in person, "by mutual agreement." This comes after the US threatened to push South Africa out of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which grants the country duty-free exports of most of its goods to the US if the Russian President attends the summit.

The International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Putin, despite lacking jurisdiction over Russia or its government. Moscow has not signed the Rome Statute, which would have granted the ICC the authority to take such action.