BRICS summit could herald new era

The 15th summit of the BRICS countries began on Tuesday at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. It could herald a new era in which world politics can no longer ignore the BRICS movement. In addition to government representatives of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, numerous other countries will be represented. The BRICS countries are expected to grow mightily: The inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is considered assured, according to Reuters. More than 40 countries have shown interest in membership, including Iran, Ethiopia, Cuba, DR Congo and Kazakhstan. Twenty-two states have already submitted a formal application.