Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday that the leaders of States that adopt a hostile stance towards Russia should not be included at the BRICS summit this August. 

"It is up to the host party to determine the circle of invitees, this is an established practice. But it is no less important that this should be preceded by consultations of all BRICS participants. It is clear that the leaders of a state, who are pursuing such a hostile and unacceptable for us policy ... such a leader is inappropriate as a guest to BRICS," Ryabkov told reporters.  

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French sources reported on Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron is aspiring to be the first Western leader to be invited to a BRICS summit.

France's Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna made the comments during a press conference in Pretoria with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

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If this happens, Macron would be the first Western leader to attend if he is invited. 

Pandor stated that an invitation would ultimately be the decision of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will chair the next meeting.

According to Pandor "If that were to happen, this would be an innovation within the current BRICS participation model, but it could amplify the BRICS forum’s global reach."

Ryabkov told reporters today that Moscow has already conveyed its stance on the matter to South African authorities and that Russia now expects the matter to be taken into prompt consideration. 

On another note, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said Tuesday that Beijing welcomes more countries to join the BRICS organization as the move would strengthen the representation and voices of emerging countries. 

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