JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - BRICS leaders meet in South Africa on Tuesday as the loose association of major emerging economies seeks to assert its voice as a counterweight to Western dominance in global affairs. The so-called BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent a quarter of the global economy, and interest in joining the club has surged ahead of its three-day summit in Johannesburg. South Africa, China and India have not condemned Russia's invasion while Brazil has refused to join Western nations in sending arms to Ukraine or imposing sanctions on Moscow. - Division and demand -There is growing interest in the bloc, which began as four nations in 2009 but expanded the following year with the addition of South Africa. South Africa will present BRICS leaders with a proposal to expand its membership and a decision on the matter is expected at the summit's close.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha August 22, 2023 12:19 UTC