Six countries were invited to join the Brics grouping of major emerging economies at its summit held in Johannesburg from 22 to 24 August 2023. Five countries are in the Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia. The sixth is Argentina. If all the countries accept the invitation the bloc with increase from five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – to 11 on 1 January 2024. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has said on Al Arabiya TV that his country will review the details of membership before making a decision to join.