JOHANNESBURG, 24th August, 2023 (WAM) The Heads of State of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) have welcomed the historic expansion of the bloc to include six new developing countries, said the South African Government News Agency (SANEWS) said in a report today. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will join BRICS as of the start of 2024. This is after over 20 countries formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the bloc. “As the five BRICS countries, we have reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow,” President Ramaphosa, who is also Chair of BRICS, announced. The BRICS Summit is underway at the Sandton Convention Centre led by bloc leaders of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Heads of State took to the podium on Thursday to talk about the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg, this week and welcomed the new members. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased that the summit had many positive outcomes. “On the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken an important decision to expand it,” he said, adding that India has always supported the expansion of the bloc’s membership. India, the Prime Minister said, has always been of the view that the addition of new members will further strengthen the organisation and will bring a new stimulus. “This will also strengthen the belief of many countries of the world in a multi-polar world order.” He expressed his satisfaction that the team agreed on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedure of the expansion. Prime Minister Modi has since conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the leaders and people of the six new nations. “I am confident that together with these countries, we will be able to infuse new momentum and energy into our cooperation. “India has had very deep and historic relations with all of these countries, with the help of BRICS, new dimensions will be added to our bilateral cooperation.” He also had a message to the countries who have also expressed interest and said India will contribute towards building a consensus for them to be a part of BRICS countries. “The expansion and modernisation of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to hold themselves according to changing times. “This can be an example for reforms and other global institutions that were established in the 20th century,” he stressed. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping described the BRICS countries as nations with influence and shoulder important responsibility for world peace and development. “During the summit, we’ve reached broad consensus, adopted a declaration and achieved fruitful outcomes.” He said the Heads of State have unanimously agreed to invite the other countries as official members. “China congratulates these states and highly appreciates the efforts made by our chair South Africa and President Ramaphosa.” He described the expansion as historic and said it shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries. “The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation.” President Xi believes it will also bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development. “I’m confident that as long as we work with a common purpose there’s a lot that BRICS cooperation can achieve and the future will be bright for BRICS countries.” “Let’s work together to write a new chapter of emerging market countries and developing countries working together in unity for development.” Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also welcomed the new members. Da Silva noted the BRICS’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will now shoot up to 37% of the world’s GDP in terms of purchasing power and 47% of the global population. “BRICS will continue to be open to new members,” he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin also welcomed the new members. “Let me assure all the colleagues that we will keep up with the work we have launched to expand BRICS influence in the world.” He said the BRICS Heads of State will proceed with the smooth work they have done and look at ways to best coordinate the expansion.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)