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| The 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 22-24. (Source: Reuters) |
The decision was made at the BRICS Summit, which took place from August 22-24 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Discussions on the bloc's expansion were high on the agenda of the Summit.
According to the latest statement from the President of South Africa, the above countries will be accepted as BRICS members from January 1, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva affirmed that many other countries are interested in joining BRICS. This shows the correct direction of the whole bloc in deciding to pursue a new world economic order.
The Brazilian leader affirmed: "This bloc is always ready to welcome new candidates."
Speaking via video link at the press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for chairing the BRICS Summit and his efforts to expand the bloc.
On the Chinese side, President Xi Jinping said that the expansion demonstrates BRICS' determination for solidarity and cooperation.
AFP news agency quoted South African officials as saying that more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc, of which 22 have made formal requests.
BRICS currently has five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has a total population of 40% of the world's population and 25% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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