Interest from countries to join BRICS shows its relevance, Lula says

"We will remain open to new candidates," Lula said at a news conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have shown interest in joining the BRICS organisation, he said, adding Iran was also interested. During a summit held in South Africa, the BRICS group of nations also approved a resolution to study in the future the creation of "a new currency of payments".