SAINT PETERSBURG, November 24. /TASS/. The BRICS economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) embody a synergy of cultures and are a model of genuine multilateral diplomacy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
"Efforts within its framework are based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and justice," Lavrov said in his video address to participants of the 4th international municipal forum of BRICS+ countries in Saint Petersburg.
"This international structure is a model of true multilateral diplomacy in compliance with the 21st century realities," the top Russian diplomat stated.
Early this month, the Algerian officials filed a formal application to join the BRICS club. According to the calculations of TASS made on the basis of IMF data for 2022, BRICS countries would account for two-thirds of the world economy, if new members, namely Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Algeria, joined the association.
Previously, Iran and Argentina also applied to enter the BRICS club. Egypt, Turkey and the UAE also voiced their intention to join the association.
On September 26, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reported that BRICS members had begun work on the possible expansion of the association. However, earlier he pointed out that quick decisions on this matter should not be expected.