BRICS invites 6 new members, including Saudi Arabia and Iran
More than 20 countries have formally applied for BRICS membership, among them the six to which Ramaphosa's invitation has been extended.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that six countries—Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—had been invited to join BRICS following three days of closed-door discussions.
The new members are expected to join on 1 January 2024, according to a statement shared by Zawya.
More than 20 countries have formally applied for BRICS membership. There have also been informal expressions of interest from other major African players, such as Nigeria and Ghana, as per the statement.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, expressed appreciation for the UAE's inclusion in the BRICS leadership and expressed hope for continued cooperation for global prosperity, dignity, and benefit.
China's President Xi Jinping congratulated the new BRICS members, calling their inclusion "historic" in a joint statement by the existing five members of BRICS at the end of its Johannesburg summit.
Enlargement of this group which currently comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was a major topic of discussion at a 3-day summit in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg BRICS Summit's main agenda also includes discussions around reducing dependence on the US dollar and promoting a multipolar international financial system.
BRICS was set up in 2009 as an informal group for its members to challenge the prevailing world order.
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Edited by Akanksha Sarma