MOSCOW, November 11. /TASS/. South Sudan is interested in joining the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), the country’s Ambassador to Moscow Chol Tong Mayay Jang said in an interview with TASS.

"It is in the interest of the Republic of South Sudan to be a member of such an organization whereby the interests of a country are better served," he pointed out.

When asked if an official request would be sent to BRICS, the envoy said that it was being studied. "It has to be first handled by the institution concerned, and after that, of course, the official request will be sent to BRICS after it is explored by the concerned institution of the government," he added.

The diplomat noted that "given the current geopolitical situation in the world, you see, there's many people who see that BRICS may be the best option."

The envoy pointed out that "even most of the allies from the Middle East, allies of the West, have already expressed interest to join BRICS." "Saudi Arabia, which is a very close ally to the US, is now a member of BRICS," he stressed, adding: "It means that there is something, which is making people now seek a refuge."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the expansion of BRICS at the group’s 15th summit that took place in Johannesburg on August 22-24. On January 1, 2024, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will formally join the BRICS group.