The existing five-member BRICS consortium revealed plans for expansion, extending invitations to six additional countries.
During the summit hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, it was declared that Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates would commence their membership in January.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlighted the momentous nature of this expansion, stating, "This step marks a historic event, underlining the collective resolve of BRICS nations towards unity and progress." The enlargement was a central focus of the three-day summit, although Ramaphosa noted that the concept had been under deliberation for more than a year.
Mohammad Jamshidi, Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs in Iran, shared his thoughts on social media, noting, "Iran's entry as a permanent member into BRICS is a momentous achievement, showcasing the success of Iran's foreign policy strategy."
The leader of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed the announcement of his country's inclusion in this "significant coalition." He expressed eagerness to sustain collaborative efforts for the advancement and well-being of all nations and peoples worldwide.
Egyptian President El-Sisi emphasized the commitment to cooperation and coordination with existing members and the newly invited countries, with the aim of enhancing economic collaboration and advocating for the concerns and developmental challenges faced by the Global South.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed celebrated this development as a pivotal achievement for his nation.
Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina, characterized this as a "milestone in strengthening camaraderie and embracing a more globally connected approach that we have always aspired to." While Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa publicly endorsed the expansion, there were divergent opinions among leaders regarding the number of countries that could join and the pace of implementation.
The previous expansion of BRICS occurred in 2010 with South Africa's inclusion, which added an "S" to the acronym, a year after the coalition's formation. The current composition represents roughly 40% of the global population and over a quarter of the world's GDP.
This enlargement marks a significant stride in reshaping the global order toward a multipolar world, with voices from the Global South gaining prominence on the international stage.
