On Thursday, the 24th of August, the BRICS bloc of developing nations, which already includes Russia, Brazil, China, India, and South Africa, agreed to welcome Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates to accelerate efforts to transform a world order that BRICS considers outdated, reports Reuters.
BRICS leaders, in the bloc’s first enlargement in 13 years, have welcomed new countries to level the global playing field and enhance economic influence.
This move aligns with BRICS goal to champion the global South.
Chinese President praised the historic expansion, highlighting commitment to cooperation with the developing world.
Yet, divisions may persist between members favoring alignment against the West (China, Russia, Iran) and those maintaining US-Europe ties.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the six new candidates will join on January 1, 2024.
BNN previously reported that from the 22nd to 24the of August, BRICS leaders will meet at a summit in South Africa to discuss how to reduce Western dominance and whether to expand. As mentioned, the summit was attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.