APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The Ethiopian government on Thursday extolled the decision as the country was invited to become new BRICS member.
Six countries, including Ethiopia, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become new BRICS members on Thursday.
The announcement was made at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Ethiopia’s bid to join the BRICS family endorsed this morning during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Congratulations to all Ethiopians,” the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office said in its congratulatory message.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is currently in Johannesburg to take part in the Summit.
The East African country submitted a request to join the BRICS mechanism back in June. According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia is a founding member of numerous multinational organizations, like the United Nations, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement.
“Taking into account the shifting international situation and shift in (international) forces, Ethiopia will work to become members of other international bodies, including BRICS, so as to safeguard our national interest,” Meles Alem, spokesperson for the ministry, told reporters previously.
MG/abj/APA