Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were invited to become new BRICS members. The decision was announced at a special news conference during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The membership takes effect on Jan 1,2024. Speaking at the news conference, Xi said the expansion of the grouping — whose current members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — speaks volumes for BRICS' resolve to bolster solidarity and cooperation with other developing nations. The expansion marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation, Xi said, adding that it will inject new vitality into the mechanism of BRICS cooperation and further strengthen the forces of global peace and development.the expansion of the group will enhance the representation of BRICS in the Middle East and&...