Recently, information appeared about the possible expansion of the five largest developing economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Yes, that very association known as BRICS. Soon the five may transform into an eight.
The group of countries could be joined by three newcomers: Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Izvestia reported this with reference to the President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand.
According to her, the decision to include these states in the group could be made at the next BRICS summit, which is planned to be held in 2023.
“I think this is a good step because expansion is always perceived positively and it will clearly increase the influence of BRICS around the world,” said Ms. Anand.
Russia’s position regarding the desire of these countries to become members of the group is positive, said Pavel Knyazev, the Russian Federation’s sous-sherpa in BRICS.
However, he added that it would be necessary to develop precise criteria for the entry of new members.
Experts say that Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are promising candidates, but the process of their entry into BRICS may take quite a long period.
By the way, Izvestia, citing its source, also writes that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, is “serious about joining BRICS.”
According to the publication’s interlocutor, the issue was discussed, among other things, with the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry during his stay in Riyadh (June 1-2, 2022).
