Brazil's President Backs Accession of Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE to BRICS

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his support for the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Argentina into the "BRICS" group, which currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

During a meeting with representatives of foreign media, Lula da Silva stated, "I consider it extremely important that Saudi Arabia, the [United] Arab Emirates, if they want it, Argentina join the BRICS."

Bolivian Foreign Minister Rogelio Mayta announced that President Luis Arce has expressed Bolivia's official desire to join the BRICS group. 

South Africa chairs BRICS this year. Russia will assume the group’s rotating presidency in 2024.