The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday voiced support for the expansion of BRICS membership after reports about Saudi Arabia showing its intention to join the group that presently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Citing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's local media reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "did express Saudi Arabia's desire to be part of BRICS," and Saudi Arabia is "not the only country" seeking BRICS membership.
As the BRICS chair for this year, China actively supports BRICS in starting the membership expansion process and expanding the "BRICS Plus" cooperation, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular press briefing.
Created in 2017, the "BRICS Plus" cooperation has invited leaders of developing countries outside the BRICS countries to join the dialogue.
At the 14th BRICS Summit in June, China said BRICS is not a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation.
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(Cover: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular briefing in Beijing, China, October 19, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)