Officially...Saudi Arabia begins its full membership in the BRICS group, 4 JAN

 Officially...Saudi Arabia begins its full membership in the BRICS group

Saudi television announced today, Tuesday, that the Kingdom announced the official start of its full membership in the BRICS group.
 
BRICS, which until today included Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, announced during its summit in Johannesburg last August that Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, Egypt, Iran, Argentina and Ethiopia, would join the group starting in 2024.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said during his participation in the Johannesburg summit that ““Saudi Arabia enjoys strong friendships, trade relations and strategic partnerships with the BRICS Council countries,” adding that Saudi Arabia stresses “the importance of activating collective and multilateral action and is keen to exercise its responsibilities to sustain international cooperation.”

Russia assumed the presidency of the BRICS group this year, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a speech on this occasion: ““Egypt, Iran, the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia have joined BRICS as new full members. ” This convincingly demonstrates the growing prestige of this group and its strengthening role in global affairs. We will take all possible steps to facilitate the harmonious integration of new participants into all forms of its activities.” link