As the bloc aims to grow its influence in a period of strategic competition and disrupt the Western-led global order, BRICS leaders announced on Thursday the „historic” admittance of six new nations.
Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates will become full members of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), starting on January 1. Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country is the most powerful in the group of sizable and populous countries, called the membership expansion „historic.”
„The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation, giving the mechanism new vigor and enhancing the force for global peace and development.“ Beijing has pushed for the BRICS to rapidly grow and develop as a counterbalance to the US and Western hegemony in the world, and the effort to broaden membership dominated the agenda of the Johannesburg Summit.
Ethiopia’s second-most populated nation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, praised what he called „a great moment” for his nation. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi declared, „The advantages of Iran’s membership to BRICS will make history, open a new chapter and a stronger step towards fairness… and lasting peace on the international stage.“
Announcing their willingness to cooperate with the broadly defined group, which includes billions of people across four continents and a quarter of global wealth, were Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Although it was stated that all six nations will participate, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that Riyadh was „awaiting details” regarding the invitation and would „take the appropriate decision.”
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