BRICS and Allies Seek to Expand Global Influence.

Officials from over a dozen countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, met with BRICS nations in South Africa to discuss closer ties and potential expansion of the bloc. BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is seen as a counterweight to Western strength and a champion of the developing world. The bloc is considering expanding its membership, with a growing number of countries expressing interest. The foreign ministers aim to complete work on a framework for admitting new members before the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August.