Saudi Arabia officially joins Brics bloc, says state TV

Saudi state TV said on Tuesday the kingdom had officially joined the Brics bloc of countries.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said in August the kingdom would study the details before the proposed January 1 joining date and take “the appropriate decision”.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Brics group was “a beneficial and important channel” to strengthen economic cooperation.

The Brics bloc previously included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but is set to double with Saudi Arabia joining the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran and Ethiopia as new members.

Saudi Arabia’s entry comes amid geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and the expansion of China’s influence within the kingdom.