The "BRICS" group at its summit in South Africa called today, Thursday, for 6 countries to join it, including 3 Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.

This was announced by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, during a session held at the "BRICS" summit with the participation of representatives and leaders of the countries wishing to join the group.

The President of the Republic of South Africa stated that "BRICS" (Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa) invited Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia to join.

He added that the membership for the new members will be effective starting from the beginning of next year (January 1, 2024).

Here are the main statements from the leaders:

- President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa: The group invited Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia to join.

- Ramaphosa: We have instructed the foreign ministers to build a "BRICS" partnership and form a list of partner countries for the next summit.

- Ramaphosa: "BRICS" is an equal partnership for countries that adopt different views but see a common future.

- Ramaphosa: We have adopted the necessary procedures to carry out the expansion process, and there will be subsequent phases.

- Ramaphosa: Their membership will be effective from January 1, 2024.

- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: Our diversity enhances our demands for a multipolar world. In the changing world, "BRICS" paves the way for finding new solutions.

- Lula da Silva: We have made a decision to deal in national currencies, which can reduce our dependence on market fluctuations.

- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The accession of new members will enhance the confidence of different countries around the world in our group and in shaping a multipolar world.

- Modi: We welcome Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia into our ranks. I am confident that we will strengthen the dynamics of development and interaction. India has strong relations with these countries, and thanks to "BRICS," these relations will gain a new dimension.

- Modi: The expansion of "BRICS" is a message that international institutions must hear, as this initiative can serve as an example for reforms in various international institutions.

- Chinese President Xi Jinping: We congratulate the countries that joined "BRICS," which have decided to engage with both developed and emerging countries.

The "BRICS" summit kicked off on Tuesday in South Africa and will continue until the 24th of the month, with representatives of member countries discussing the enhancement of economic and trade ties.