Johannesburg, 24 Aug, 2023 (GNP): In a landmark development, BRICS announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran are among six countries invited to join as new members starting from January 1 next year, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/1694669263364059553?t=8e3QU2V4Wk2Vsnbvj38qmA&s=19
As per sources, the decision was reached during the annual three-day summit of the BRICS group, which comprises major emerging economies including China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, and India. The expansion is hailed as a historic moment that aims to enhance the group’s cooperation mechanism and contribute to global peace and development.
https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa/status/1694618085783720092?t=Rw6q_CdOokB-hDINRft89w&s=19
The newly invited full members include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The addition of these nations marks a significant step towards reshaping global governance into a more inclusive “multipolar” world order. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, expressed enthusiasm for the invitation and highlighted the kingdom’s commitment to reviewing the details before making a considered decision.
Chinese President Xi Jinping termed the membership expansion as a new beginning for BRICS cooperation, aiming to infuse renewed energy and strength into the group’s endeavors. The inclusion of countries from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egypt, adds diverse voices to the group’s discussions.
The expansion drive was championed by Russia and China, who seek to bolster the group’s influence and counter challenges from Western nations, sources said. The inclusion of Argentina was advocated for by member Brazil, enhancing the representation of South American countries within BRICS.
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The BRICS group, established 15 years ago, aims to create a platform for emerging economies to shape global economic governance and policies. While it has faced complexities due to divergent political and social interests, the expansion signifies a commitment to broadening the discussion and involving more nations in its cooperative efforts.
More than 40 countries expressed interest in joining BRICS, with 23 formally applying for membership. With the new additions, BRICS represents a substantial quarter of the global economy and 40 percent of the world’s population.
As the BRICS summit concludes, global leaders look forward to the collaborative efforts of the expanded group to contribute to a more equitable and multipolar global order.