Expansion of BRICS: Historic Decision to Include New Members from Africa and Middle East

2023-08-24 08:18:58

With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargelès

It is a historic day in South Africa: the leaders of the five countries of the Brics – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – held a press briefing at the Johannesburg conference center to take stock of their deliberations, following a three-day summit.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has just announced it: a total of six countries have been accepted into this club, which has been closed until now, including two from the African continent. Egypt and Ethiopia enter along with Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. ” With this summit, the Brics begin a new chapter “, welcomed Cyril Ramaphosa.

Their membership will take effect on January 1, 2024

Their membership will take effect on January 1, 2024, as specified by the South African President.

The Brics, who will have to find another name, have therefore managed to find common ground, around the entry criteria and the candidates to accept, since the choice had to be made unanimously.

This historic decision will certainly transform the dynamic within the group, with countries so varied in terms of economies and political affinities.

This decision is a great pleasure for Brazilian President Lula and was welcomed as proof of the strengthening of a world multipolar for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Xi Jinping sent their congratulations to the new members.

Enthusiastic reactions from the countries concerned

For Iranian diplomacy, Iran’s membership is a ” strategic success for foreign policy “, wrote on X (ex-Twitter) the political adviser to President Ebrahim Raïssi. Ethiopia salutes a moment fort for the second most populous country in Africa. ” Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous world order “, added its Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

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