RIYADH: The BRICS summit in South African capital Johannesburg witnessed a historic decision as leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) announced the expansion of their group.
This expansion marks the first since 2010 and brings six new countries into the fold – Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Reacting to the BRICS invitation, Saudi Arabia appreciated the extended invitation and said it would take appropriate decision.
Speaking to Al-Arabiya, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that Riyadh would study the details before confirming its participation by the proposed January 1, 2024, joining date.
Prince Faisal underlined that BRICS serves as a valuable platform to enhance economic cooperation and emphasized that his country would make an appropriate decision concerning this significant opportunity.
The expansion drew praise from the new members. UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed welcomed his country’s inclusion, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed gratitude to BRICS leaders for the invitation, vowing to collaborate with other members to benefit developing nations.
We respect the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate the inclusion of the UAE as a member to this important group. We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 24, 2023
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali hailed his country’s accession as a pivotal moment and pledged to work towards a more inclusive and prosperous global order.
“Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous global order,” he said.
A great moment for #Ethiopia as the BRICS leaders endorse our entry into this group today. Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous global order. pic.twitter.com/BPspm8C0jm
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) August 24, 2023
Iran Reacts to BRICS Invitation
The inclusion of Iran received significant attention. A senior adviser to Iran’s president hailed the country’s forthcoming BRICS membership as a diplomatic triumph, positioning it as a global emerging economy with strategic success. This development comes as Iran seeks to alleviate its economic challenges and counter the impacts of sanctions imposed post the United States’ withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
In a historic move, Islamic Republic of Iran becomes permanent member of BRICS. A strategic victory for Iran's foreign policy. Felicitations to the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution and great nation of Iran.
— Mohammad Jamshidi (@MhmmdJamshidi) August 24, 2023
Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez considered the invitation a “great opportunity” for his nation amid economic crisis. Joining BRICS holds the potential to open new markets, attract investment, and stimulate growth for Argentina.
Se abre un nuevo escenario para la Argentina: nos hemos incorporado a la alianza de los BRICS.
Es un nuevo paso en la consolidación del país fraterno y abierto al mundo que siempre soñamos ser.
Estamos frente a una gran oportunidad para fortalecernos 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/dpVvMAuNMK
— Alberto Fernández (@alferdez) August 24, 2023
The expansion opens doors for other interested countries seeking admission to BRICS, especially amid growing geopolitical polarization. The enlargement issue dominated discussions during the three-day summit. While all BRICS members expressed support for expansion, differing opinions emerged on the extent and pace of the growth.
Though BRICS nations collectively represent 40 percent of the global population and a quarter of the world’s GDP, their unity and shared vision have been questioned. Despite this, the promise of a more balanced global order continues to attract interest. Over 40 countries have expressed their desire to join BRICS, with 22 formally applying for admission.
The expansion ushers in a new chapter for BRICS, inviting these diverse nations to collaborate, contribute, and reshape the global narrative. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, this move underscores the importance of fostering cooperation, inclusivity, and shared growth on the global stage.
