The Deputy Foreign Minister made statements at a press conference dedicated to the results of the 15th summit of the group, and pointed out that Moscow does not doubt that the new members of the bloc will make a significant and unique contribution to its development.

Ryabkov stressed that each new BRICS member “has a rich history, culture, significant economic potential and plays an important role, not only in its region, but on the international stage.”

“It is important that all of them, not only support, but share the fundamental BRICS values, including the spirit of solidarity, equality, mutual respect, openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he added.

This year’s BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg from August 22nd to the 24th, under South Africa’s presidency. At the event it was agreed that Argentina, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran and Saudi Arabia would join the group starting on January 1st, 2024.

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