On the morning of August 24 local time, President Xi Jinping attended a press segment of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

At the event, the announcement was made to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to the BRICS family as official members.

President Xi Jinping delivered important remarks. He pointed out that, as countries with great heft, BRICS countries shoulder important responsibilities for world peace and development. During the Summit, leaders had in-depth exchanges of views on the current international situation and BRICS cooperation. They reached extensive consensus, issued the Johannesburg II Declaration, and secured fruitful outcomes.

President Xi Jinping noted that leaders of the five BRICS countries unanimously agreed to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to the BRICS family as official members. China wishes to congratulate these countries and express high appreciation to the host South Africa and President Ramaphosa for their valuable efforts.

President Xi Jinping highlighted that the BRICS expansion is historic. It demonstrates the commitment of BRICS countries to cooperate in unity with all developing countries. It meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries. The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will inject new vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the forces for world peace and development. He expressed confidence that as long as BRICS countries work in concert, they will bring out the best in BRICS cooperation and ensure a promising future for BRICS countries. He made the call for all to join hands together to write a new chapter of emerging markets and developing countries seeking development through solidarity and cooperation.

The event was chaired by South African President Ramaphosa, and attended by Brazilian President Lula, Indian Prime Minister Modi, and Russian President Putin (via video link).

The Johannesburg II Declaration was adopted and issued at the event.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the event.