The BRICS group doubled its membership to ten countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran and Ethiopia officially joined the group of leading emerging economies. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the trade bloc as a positive and stable force for good in international affairs.

To discuss the expansion and the top priorities for 2024, joining us:  

• Ahmed Al-Ibrahim is a Saudi political analyst. 
• Ali Akbar Dareini is a researcher and writer at the Strategic Studies of Public Policy Journal in Tehran and the author of “Legitimate Deterrence.” 
• Mark Sleboda is Moscow-based International Affairs and Security Analyst. 
• Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute and the founder and chair of Asia Narratives in Beijing. 

New year, new friends | BRICS welcomes five new members pic.twitter.com/32JVKM7uD2

— RT (@RT_com) January 1, 2024

The #BRICS memberships of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia officially took effect on Monday. pic.twitter.com/FRQUwuI9Jn

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) January 1, 2024