As reported by local media, Anil Sooklal, South Africa's representative to the BRICS group, said that the group has received 19 welcomes from new members. Sooklal presented the information during a meeting of representatives of the BRICS member states with special envoys from the Middle East and North Africa in Cape Town, as reported by Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.

Of the 19 applications received, 13 countries have formalised their requests and six others have held informal consultations on the matter. Among the countries that have applied for membership are Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The foreign ministers of the member countries will meet on 2 and 3 July in South Africa to discuss the possible entry of new countries. The last time a country was admitted to the group was in 2010, when South Africa became a member of the BRICS.

Photo: IStock