Analysts are describing the planned expansion of the BRICS bloc as a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. It was announced as part of the Johannesburg Declaration II that was unveiled on August 24, 2023, after the conclusion of the 15th BRICS summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current BRICS chairperson, told journalists at a media briefing that six new countries would be joining the bloc.
“We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS. Membership will take effect from January 1, 2024.”
Source: DW
