More than 20 countries are waiting in anticipation to hear if the Brics door they have been knocking on will be opened before the 15th Summit of the bloc wraps up on Thursday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Wednesday that the matter was being discussed by the five heads of states.
With the growing importance and influence of the grouping in the geopolitical space, many countries in the global south have indicated their interest to join Brics.
Therefore, the topic of expanding the power bloc is at the top of the agenda at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
All five Brics member states’ heads have declared their support for the expansion, with detail and magnitude being the only debate.
The bloc started as a grouping of four countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined after attending as a candidate in the formative stages.
In Africa, Egypt is among the countries that have expressed interest to join the bloc.
This while China has invited Pakistan to join and told its four Brics partners that this must be done as soon as possible.
China is also lobbying for the inclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as two other countries from the Arab League.
Addressing the summit virtually on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country, which will host the next summit in 2024, is ready to implement such a decision on expansion if given the nod.
“During our chairmanship, we would like to do our utmost best to efficiently facilitate the implementation of the decisions adopted and taken at this summit, including regarding the expansion of Brics,” said Putin.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva said the growing interest in being part of Brics is evidence of the bloc’s relevance in world politics.
As a brand and political arsenal of strategic value, Brics is consolidated today as a strategic asset. “The interest of many countries in joining the bloc is an indication of its growing relevance,” said Da Silva.
Ramaphosa said the enormous interest from countries lining up to join Brics is not surprising.
“The Brics partners straddle four continents and five countries that are home to three-and-a-half billion people,” said Ramaphosa.
“Over the last decade, the bloc has been a driver of global growth, trade and investment. Brics stands for solidarity, progress, inclusivity and a more equitable world order.
“The Brics partnership, which has been growing in importance and influence over the years, must be harnessed to drive inclusive global economic recovery.
“We are in full support of the expansion of Brics as has been articulated by all members of Brics.
“We are on the cusp of expanding this Brics family because it is through this expansion that we will be able to have a much stronger Brics in these turbulent times that we live in, so we await the decision that will be taken by Brics leaders.”
The Brics heads of states will announce on Thursday evening their decision whether to open up space for more members now or in the coming years.
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