Xi says BRICS expansion historic, new starting point for cooperation

President Xi Jinping hailed the "historic" expansion of the BRICS, a group of leading emerging economies, to include six new members on Thursday, saying that the move marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation and will inject new momentum for the mechanism.

Leaders of the five leading emerging economies announced the expansion of the grouping to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members at a special news conference during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday. They will become full members from Jan 1, 2024.

Speaking at the news conference, Xi said the expansion of the grouping spoke volumes for the resolve of BRICS to bolster solidarity and cooperation with other developing nations.

"It meets the expectations of the international community and serves the common interests of emerging market countries and developing nations," he said.

The expansion marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation, and will inject new vitality into the mechanism of BRICS cooperation, further strengthening the forces of global peace and development, Xi said.

"I believe that as long as we work together, there is great potential for BRICS cooperation, and the future of BRICS countries is promising. Let's make joint efforts to write a new chapter of unity, cooperation and development among emerging market countries and developing nations!" Xi said.