South African Ambassador in Moscow: 13 countries are interested in joining BRICS

South African Ambassador to Russia Mzufukili Makitoka revealed that about 13 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS group, and almost half of them submitted official requests in this regard.

Makitoka said in an exclusive interview with Sputnik Agency: “There are currently 13 countries that have announced their desire to join the group, and some of them have already submitted official requests, and I personally expect that priority will be for applicants.”

According to the ambassador, all BRICS member states welcome expansion, but they consider it necessary to define certain methods for accepting new members, pointing out that the issue of expanding the group is on its agenda.

The BRICS group is considered the association of the main developing economies in the world. Its aim is to enhance cooperation between its countries and to develop common approaches to global economic challenges. Negotiations to form the Group began in 2006 and held its first summit in 2009, and it includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Inas Abdulkareem