Approximately 19 countries expressed their desire to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
"[At the meeting] we will discuss the expansion of BRICS and its potential forms. Thirteen countries have formally requested the membership, while six have done so informally. We receive such requests every day", said Anil Sooklal, South Africa's Sherpa to BRICS and Special Envoy to Asia and BRICS at the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as quoted by the agency.
The agenda will also include "hot topics" such as the bloc's reaction to the crisis in Sudan, the diplomat clarified.
Sooklal also noted that all the top diplomats from BRICS member countries have "confirmed their participation" in this upcoming meeting.