BRICS welcomes new members, including Iran and KSA: Report

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Aug 2023 08:29
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Leaders from China, India, Brazil, and South Africa are in attendance at the summit, while Russia's representation comes from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Members of the media watch Russia's President Vladimir Putin address via videolink the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP)

A draft of the final document from the ongoing BRICS summit in Johannesburg on August 22-24 indicates that Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE are set to join the existing BRICS grouping, according to a report by the Brazilian news portal UOL, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The report suggests that, in an effort to maintain a balanced geographical representation, an additional African nation might also be included in this list.

Leaders from China, India, Brazil, and South Africa are in attendance at the summit, while Russia's representation comes from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin is participating in the summit through a videoconference.

Interestingly, the desire to join BRICS has been expressed by a total of 23 countries, including Argentina, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

South Africa confirmed on Wednesday that the bloc leaders have agreed on mechanisms for considering new members.

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor stated on Ubuntu Radio, "We have agreed on the matter of expansion," adding, "We have a document that we've adopted which sets out guidelines and principles, processes for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS...That's very positive."

Enlarging BRICS has been one of the top priorities of the bloc summit. However, Pandor did not provide details regarding the criteria for considering candidates but said that members would make an announcement before the summit ends on Thursday.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran submitted applications, and governments interested include Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Egypt, Bahrain, and Indonesia - but France was told loud and clear that its President, Emmanuel Macron, was not invited.