“Now there are about 13 applicants (to join the BRICS. -
RT
),” RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.
Maketuka added that six countries have already submitted formal applications for membership.
The ambassador stressed that Algeria, Egypt, as well as Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are among the contenders.
Earlier, Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboun said that the country hopes to join the BRICS in 2023.