Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the approval of the "BRICS" group to include Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in the group.

During a speech at the BRICS summit, currently held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Modi congratulated the governments and peoples of those countries for joining the group, expressing his confidence that with these countries, we will be able to inject new momentum and energy into BRICS cooperation.

He confirmed that adding new members to BRICS aims to strengthen it as a group and organization, as well as to give new momentum to joint efforts, noting that this will contribute to reinforcing the belief of many countries worldwide in a multipolar world.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his speech during the opening of the second day of the BRICS summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, called for the activation of a new, inclusive international system.

Ramaphosa criticized global payment systems that are used "as tools for geopolitical competition," as he put it.

He added that BRICS countries need to enhance the interests of the global south and called on industrial countries to fulfill their commitments to support climate actions by developing elements of economic progress "that have not yet been upgraded."

The fifteenth BRICS summit events launched at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, this past Tuesday for three days, with more than 40 heads of state, dozens of government representatives, as well as prominent local and international figures and summit delegates expected to attend.

In his speech, Ramaphosa continued: "Peace and stability are prerequisites for a better and fairer world. We are deeply concerned about the conflicts around the world that continue to cause a significant amount of suffering and hardship for many people globally."

He confirmed that South Africa's position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation, and commitment to the principles of the UN Charter are essential for a peaceful and just solution to conflicts, stating: "We are concerned that financial systems and global payment systems are increasingly being used as tools for geopolitical competition. The global economic recovery depends on predictable global payment systems and the smooth operation of banking services, supply chain trade, tourism, and financial flows."

The South African President explained that his country will continue discussions on practical measures to facilitate trade and investment flows by "increasing the use of local currencies." He added, "We believe that more discussions should be held on this, especially among our finance ministers," expressing his confidence that the 15th BRICS summit will enhance the cause of shared prosperity and progress.

For his part, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid confirmed that Egypt's invitation to join the BRICS group affirms its growing role in the global economy and its ability to contribute to shaping a more inclusive and just international economic system that takes into account the interests and contributions of the emerging southern economies and their peoples.

This came in a post published by the spokesperson on his social media account on Twitter today, Thursday, following BRICS' announcement today of Egypt's invitation to join the group starting January next year.

The United Arab Emirates also expressed its welcome and happiness regarding its participation in the BRICS summit among the 5 countries that were invited at the conclusion of the BRICS summit in South Africa.

The UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated, "We appreciate the approval of the BRICS leaders to include the United Arab Emirates in this important group," noting that his country looks forward to working together for the prosperity and benefit of all countries and peoples of the world.

Today, Thursday, the BRICS group issued a closing statement for the three-day summit in South Africa, specifically in the city of Johannesburg.

The closing statement of the BRICS summit indicated that the members of the group are concerned about the use of certain issues and their implementation solely for their benefit, which negatively impacts developing countries. However, we support the idea of reforms in the United Nations and the Security Council to increase democracy and effectiveness in the organization.

The BRICS statement noted that members of the group are committed to enhancing and developing governance in the world, and this will be done by encouraging some institutions that are characterized by flexibility, accountability, and democracy in international systems. BRICS members also called for increasing emerging economic markets and their participation in international organizations and multilateral forums.

The statement concluded, calling on space agencies within the group to continue to increase the level of cooperation among BRICS members in terms of information exchange through satellites and its implementation to provide informational support for the group's economic development.