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Saudi Arabia has yet to decide on joining BRICS, South African envoy says

Riyadh is still going through certain processes toward accession to the grouping, South African ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Geoff Maqetuka said

MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia has not yet made a final decision to join BRICS, as Riyadh is still going through certain processes toward accession to the grouping, South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Geoff Maqetuka said in an interview with TASS.

"Saudi Arabia is still going through its own processes. One, as a nation state. Two, together with the BRICS shepherds. Saudi Arabia is not yet, has not yet endorsed. We will see it as we move towards [the summit in] Kazan. As South Africa, we are ready," the ambassador said.

According to him, four countries, namely Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, have already accepted membership. "They are ready now to sign off," Maqetuka added.

The South African diplomat also confirmed that Argentina had pulled out of plans to join BRICS. "Argentina has withdrawn. It's official," he said.

BRICS was formed in 2006 and initially included Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined the intergovernmental organization in 2011.

Kazan will host the annual BRICS summit in October.

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South Africa BRICS Saudi Arabia

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