247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated this Sunday (6) that the BRICS bloc of emerging countries is a central actor in the"fight" for a "multipolar world", when speaking at the Rio de Janeiro Summit.

"BRICS is an essential player in the fight for a multipolar, less asymmetrical and more peaceful world," said Lula, during the 2nd plenary session of the bloc's leaders.

About BRICS

The bloc—originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—has expanded its ranks in recent years. In addition to Iran, the five founding members have been joined by countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. Countries including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan are listed as partners in the group, according to the most recent information.

Today, the BRICS countries, according to Sputnik data, account for about 48.5% of the global population and 39% of the world's GDP.