JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - The BRICS summit opened in SouthAfrica on Tuesday as the loosely-defined club of large emerging economies seeksto assert its voice as a counterweight to the Western-led international order. South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion whileBrazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine orimposing sanctions on Moscow. - 'Importance, stature, influence' -The bloc began as four nations in 2009 but expanded the following year withthe addition of South Africa. South Africa will present BRICS leaders with a proposal to expand itsmembership. Russia and South Africa back expansion while Brazil's Lula said on Tuesdayhe supported the entry of "several countries" including Argentina.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha August 22, 2023 18:02 UTC