BRICS will soon welcome Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in Pretoria on Thursday 24 August, as the group of five countries (Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa) met at a summit peak. “Membership will be valid from the 1st^uh January 2024 »he added during a joint press conference.

Immediately after the announcement, Tehran welcomed it X (former Twitter) “a major step in foreign policy” from that country. Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, welcomed this “big moment” for African peoples. “Ethiopia is ready to work with all parties for an inclusive and prosperous world order”, he said on social media.

The United Arab Emirates also welcomed their integration, President Mohammed Ben Zayed emphasized “respect the vision of BRICS leaders”. For Chinese President Xi Jinping, the discussions were fruitful “historic enlargement”estimate a “bright future for BRICS countries”.

The question of expanding this group is a priority for these 15^e The summit starts Tuesday 22 August. BRICS is a heterogeneous alliance consisting of geographically distant countries and diverse economies, so BRICS must agree on strategic options for new entrants. The day before this announcement, Pretoria announced that all member states had agreed to the principle of expansion.

About forty countries have requested membership or expressed interest. According to the leaders of the “club of five”, which generates a quarter of the world’s wealth and unites 42% of the world’s population, this craze shows the growing influence of developing countries on the world stage.

Expansion resulting from negotiations

The negotiations took place in a plenary session which was held behind closed doors on Wednesday. Bilateral meetings have also increased since the summit opened. China, a heavyweight accounting for around 70% of the group’s GDP, clearly supports expansion. But India, one of the economic powers in the group that is wary of regional rival China’s ambitions, has doubts.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recalled that a “consensus” about modalities must be discovered. The decision-making process in BRICS requires unanimity. According to observers, Brazil is also worried that expansion will occur “diluted” its influence globally and within the bloc.

The United States has stated that it does not see any future in BRICS “geopolitical rival”ensure that he wants to retain “strong relationship” with Brazil, India and South Africa. BRICS also reiterated their position “not in harmony” during the summit, at a time when divisions were deepening over the conflict in Ukraine.