Lavrov Discusses the Expansion of the BRICS in the Arab World

June 17, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told RT in an exclusive 20-minute interview yesterday that Algeria, the U.A.E., Egypt and Saudi Arabia have all expressed interest in joining the BRICS. “They are all very strong countries,” Lavrov said, “and they are all leaders, to some extent, in the Arab and Islamic world. This would undoubtedly enrich BRICS.”

The Russian diplomat said the contribution of these new members would be “obvious” and mean that BRICS would get representation from one of the world’s major civilizations. “No doubt, this will benefit the multipolar foundations of the bloc that evolved naturally, objectively,” he remarked.

“It’s a very sensitive issue, of course, because the country’s reputation is at stake here, too. If a state applies to join and gets no answer, this won’t look good,” Lavrov told RT.