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The BRICS bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is expanding, as its members grow in economic and political influence.

Together, the five BRICS members represent more than 40% of the global population, and their share of the world economy (when measured in purchasing power parity) is larger than that of the G7.

The foreign ministers of the BRICS states met in South Africa on June 1 and 2. There, they discussed a series of issues, including plans to create a new global reserve currency to challenge the dominance of the US dollar.

Also present at the meeting in South Africa was a group of top diplomats from countries described as “friends of BRICS”, including Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

More than 20 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS. At least 13 nations have formally applied.

South Africa’s ambassador to BRICS commented, “We are getting applications to join every day”.

Prospective future members include Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE.

#BRICSza | Friends of #BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Friday, 02 June 2023.