The announced expansion of BRICS is a historic event, the beginning of a new era in global economic relations. This is what the newspaper Midi Madagasikara writes, commenting on the accession of new countries - Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia - to the association.
Describing the integration of these six new countries as an "unprecedented expansion," the newspaper underscores the profound significance of this move. It has garnered admiration and is seen as indicative of the association's geopolitical ambitions, signaling the growing influence of emerging economies on the world stage. Midi Madagasikara asserts that this is not merely a diplomatic development but a "historic decision marking the beginning of a new era in global economic relations."
Notably, the newspaper singles out Iran's entry, characterizing it as a "strategic triumph for Tehran." The article emphasizes the growing importance of developing countries globally, with around 40 nations expressing a keen interest in joining BRICS. The association, representing a quarter of the world's wealth and 42% of the world's population, is lauded for its attractiveness to other states, shaping the global economy and geopolitics.
The newspaper notes the cautious response from the US towards BRICS expansion, suggesting that "their intention to maintain strong relations with current members reflects an effort to secure their interests."
Since its establishment in 2006, the BRICS group has undergone two significant waves of expansion. In 2011, South Africa became a member, augmenting the original roster of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Notably, in August 2023, six countries, including Argentina, received invitations to join the association simultaneously; however, Argentina opted not to join by late December. The remaining five new members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—commenced comprehensive collaboration within BRICS on January 1, with Russia as the chairing nation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: brics-russia2020.ru/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS