New BRICS Members Consolidate Group's International Position, Russian Ambassador in Iran Says

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - On January 1, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia officially became full members of the BRICS. Before that, the bloc consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Sputnik
Accession of Iran and other countries to the BRICS geopolitical bloc strengthens strategic partnership and bolsters the international position of the group, Russian Ambassador to Iran Alexey Dedov told Sputnik.
"The accession of Iran and other new members to the association strengthens the strategic partnership and international position of this important and reputable forum. In general, international relations are undergoing a deep transformation that reflects the emergence of a more democratic and just world order," Dedov said.
Iran for its part proceeds "from the necessity, irreversibility of the tendency to reduce the influence of Western countries in world affairs," the ambassador added.

"Like [Russia], Iran assumes that multilateralism should be developed in various formats," the diplomat said.

Russia during its BRICS presidency in 2024 is "set to work closely with all members of the association, including Iran," he said. As for the work, it is being carried out in "three baskets:" politics and security; economics and investment; and humanitarian aid, Dedov added.
Opinion
Currency as a Weapon: BRICS Alliance Vice President Talks Monetary Dimension of Multipolatiry