The BRICS leaders have announced that admission of six new countries expand its influence in an era of strategic competition.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have agreed at their annual summit in Johannesburg  to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates full members from 1st January 2024.

Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech at summit said the expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. He said will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the benefits of Iran's membership to BRICS will open a new chapter and a stronger step towards fairness and lasting peace on the international stage.