As a result of the BRICS summit, it was decided to invite six states to the alliance: Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
They will become full members of the BRICS from 2024, said South African President Cyril Ramaposa. According to him, the alliance will not be limited to one phase of expansion.
According to UOL, the countries were chosen based on geographic and political factors. Preference was given to those already in the G20, but this was by no means the only criterion.
Indonesia was supposed to be on the list, but that idea has been revisited after Jakarta said it has no political position at the moment. However, in the near future it may become a member of the alliance, writes euronews.
Brazil and India initially objected to BRICS expansion. After Brazil agreed to the invitation of new member countries, the country’s representatives put forward a demand for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Recall that the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa – gathered in Johannesburg for the annual summit. Russia is represented by the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov. Vladimir Putin chose the online format, as he is on the international wanted list. Against the backdrop of disagreements with the West, sanctions and a certain isolation, the Russian Federation, more than ever, is interested in developing ties through the BRICS.
One of the main topics of the summit was the issue of expanding the alliance. This meeting is in the focus of special attention. Initially, it was expected that new countries could join the BRICS, strengthening the bloc, which positions itself as a global economic authority competing with the G7.
Speaking via video link, Putin announced “an objective and irreversible process of de-dollarization of economic ties.” “As a result, the share of the dollar in export-import transactions within the BRICS is decreasing,” he said.
According to experts, the BRICS countries are ahead of the G7 in terms of purchasing power. They account for a quarter of the world economy, a fifth of world exports and 40% of the world’s population. It is possible that the growing unification will push for reforms at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund – with an eye on a more multipolar world.
“If we expand the BRICS to be responsible for a share of global GDP, like the G7, then our common voice in the world will become stronger,” an unnamed Chinese official said.
South African President Ramaphosa invited the leaders and heads of government of more than 60 countries to the summit, while, according to South African officials, 23 countries expressed interest in joining the BRICS. The Brazilian diplomat called it unlikely that all comers would be included in the BRICS at once: “It is important that criteria be defined for the accession of new members.”
More Stories
A 48-year-old Ukrainian was killed in Hungary
Paris: wild clashes between police and "black" block
Modern Germans are far from the most hardworking in Europe