Six new countries invited to join BRICS group next year

Johannesburg, SANA- The BRICS group, which includes Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa, announced the approval of the accession of six new countries to its membership.

“We reached a consensus on expanding the group, and we decided to invite Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina and Ethiopia to join the BRICS,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said during a press conference for the leaders of the BRICS member states in Johannesburg on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa noted that their membership will start on January 1, 2024.

Ramaphosa pointed out that BRICS has a good opportunity to develop alternative financial systems, expand the use of national currencies in commercial transactions, and open a new page on its way to building a more just and prosperous world.

Ramaphosa drew attention to the agreement of the BRICS leaders on the final statement of the 15h summit of the group in Johannesburg, in which they affirmed their adherence to respect for international law and the UN Charter and resolutions in international relations.

In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his participation via video, welcomed the accession of the new members of the group.

Putin pointed to work to ensure constructive and effective cooperation with them, and to continue making efforts to expand the influence of the BRICS group in the world and to work with all countries wishing to cooperate with the group in all fields.

“We congratulate the countries that joined BRICS, which have made their decision to deal with developed and emerging countries, which bear a great responsibility for establishing peace, stability and development in the world due to their growing influence on the international arena,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva pointed out that the diversity of the BRICS group gives it strength to work for a new multipolar world order, and to ensure sustainable development in the world.

President da Silva indicated that the doors of the BRICS group will remain open to new members.

For his part, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the accession of new members will enhance the confidence of different countries around the world in the BRICS group and their efforts to form a multipolar world.

The Prime Minster noted that expanding the group is a message that the international community must hear, as this initiative can be an example for carrying out reforms in various international institutions.