**BRICS Invites Saudi Arabia, Iran, and More: Expansion Beckons**

In a historic development, the BRICS group, comprising major emerging economies — China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, and India, has extended invitations to six new countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, to join its ranks starting January 1 next year. This momentous announcement came during the concluding day of the annual BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The six nations welcomed to become full members of BRICS are Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the historic nature of this expansion, remarking, “This membership expansion is a historic event and marks a new beginning for BRICS cooperation. It will infuse fresh vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further enhance the global force for peace and development.”

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egypt signifies the first-ever representation from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region within BRICS. Additionally, Argentina’s inclusion was championed by Brazil, another established BRICS member.

The impetus for this expansion largely emanated from Russia and China, partly in response to Western sanctions. While initial reactions from other BRICS nations were mixed, they rallied behind the expansion plan this week.

BRICS, which collectively accounts for a quarter of the global economy and 40 percent of the world’s population, has been deliberating over expansion for more than a year. Over 40 countries expressed interest in joining BRICS, with 23 formally applying. The group’s overarching objective is to construct a multipolar world order that amplifies the voice of the Global South in global governance.

Nonetheless, experts have noted that the divergent interests of BRICS nations have, at times, obstructed cohesive action. The expansion introduces the challenge of forging consensus within a more extensive coalition.

While the expansion initiative has ignited significant interest and discourse, it constitutes a substantial stride in BRICS’ endeavor to redefine global governance.

• Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/27/saudi-arabia-iran-among-six-nations-invited-to-join-brics)*

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