BRICS Summit Sparks Global Interest: Over 40 Countries Eager to Join

The outcomes of the recent BRICS summit, which was held in South Africa from August 22-24, 2023, are not completely clear at this time. However, officials from South Africa have stated that over 40 countries have shown interest in joining BRICS. This potential expansion of the group is seen as a significant change in the global order, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He believes that a larger body would represent a diverse range of interests and perspectives.

Although there is support for expanding BRICS, there are also disagreements on the matter. The summit was seen as an opportunity for Beijing to promote its charm offensive after the Covid-19 pandemic. Another major topic discussed at the summit was the outsize influence of the U.S. dollar in the global economy, along with discussions on "de-dollarization".

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New Brics on the block

According to officials from South Africa, more than 40 countries have expressed their interest in joining BRICS. Some of these countries include Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Comoros, Cuba, the D.R. Congo, Egypt, France, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Venezuela. South Africa's BRICS ambassador, Anil Sooklal, specifically mentioned Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as countries actively looking to join. The discussions at the recent BRICS summit regarding the role of the U.S. dollar in the global economy also addressed the concept of "de-dollarization".

While specific details of the discussions held during the recent BRICS summit are not widely available, it is expected that several key issues were likely addressed:

1. BRICS Expansion: The expansion of BRICS was a major topic of discussion at the summit. With over 40 countries expressing interest in joining, it provided an opportunity to address this expansion and consider the implications.
2. Trade and Investments: The summit agenda also covered discussions on trade and investments. Member countries aimed to enhance economic cooperation and explore new avenues for trade and investment among themselves.
3. Sustainable Development: The importance of sustainable development was emphasized during the summit. This included discussions on promoting sustainable practices, addressing climate change, and working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
4. Innovation: Innovation was another key topic discussed among the BRICS countries. They aimed to share best practices, promote technological advancements, and foster growth driven by innovation.
5. Global Governance Reform: BRICS countries have been advocating for a more equitable and inclusive global order. The summit provided an opportunity to address the reform of global governance systems and work towards a fairer global order.

Russia, China Agenda

Russia and China, being part of BRICS, were expected to use the summit as an opportunity to advance their political and economic agendas in the developing world. Their actions and discussions at the summit were closely watched in relation to these goals.

In conclusion, the recent BRICS summit held in South Africa discussed various important topics, including the potential expansion of the group, trade and investments, sustainable development, innovation, and global governance reform. This summit also provided a platform for countries like Russia and China to promote their political and economic interests in the developing world.