Six nations have been approved as full-fledged members of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group of nations, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision was made during the summit in Johannesburg this week, where the expansion of the group was a major topic of discussion. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were all welcomed as new members.
Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the interest shown by other countries in building a partnership with BRICS. He mentioned that the foreign ministers have been assigned the task of further developing the BRICS Partners Country model and creating a list of prospective partner countries.
This is only the second time that BRICS has expanded since its inception. The first expansion occurred in 2010 when South Africa joined the organization without any prerequisites. However, this year’s summit focused on establishing more formal criteria for new candidates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country will assume the rotating BRICS presidency in the coming year, expressed gratitude to Ramaphosa for his diplomatic skills in reconciling all positions regarding the expansion of BRICS. Putin acknowledged the South African leader’s significant contribution to the outcome of the summit.
BRICS presents itself as an alternative to Western-dominated international institutions and aims to better reflect the emerging multipolar world. Member states of BRICS have accused the US and its allies of abusing their position during the era of unipolarity that followed the disintegration of the Soviet Union. As Western influence waned, these nations argue that the US and its allies leveraged their control over tools like the dollar to preserve their hegemonic position.
The expansion of BRICS to include these six new nations is seen as a significant development in global politics. It signifies the increasing influence and relevance of BRICS as a collective force shaping the international order. The addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will bring greater socio-economic diversity and geopolitical weight to the alliance. These nations have shown a strong interest in BRICS and are eager to collaborate with the existing members to address common challenges and promote shared interests.
The decision to expand the group also reflects the desire to foster a more multipolar and inclusive world order, where emerging powers have a greater say in global governance. By expanding its membership, BRICS signals its commitment to creating a more balanced and equitable international system.
Looking ahead, the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, which will be hosted by Russia in 2024, will serve as a platform for the newly admitted members to engage with the existing BRICS nations. The summit will provide an opportunity for fruitful discussions, the exchange of ideas, and the development of partnerships that can contribute to the collective goals of the group.
Overall, the expansion of BRICS to include these six nations demonstrates the growing significance of the alliance in shaping the global landscape. It highlights the desire of these countries to accelerate their economic growth, enhance their diplomatic influence, and strengthen their position in international affairs. As BRICS continues to evolve and expand, it will play an increasingly influential role in shaping the world order of the future.
Source link
