In response to reports that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia expressed the desire of Saudi Arabia to join the BRICS, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a regular press conference on the 20th that, as the BRICS presidency this year, China actively supports the BRICS countries to start the process of expanding their membership. China will work with its BRICS partners to steadily advance the process of expanding its membership, so that more like-minded partners can participate in this promising cause. "BRICS countries emerged at the historic moment during the period of great development, change and adjustment in the world. After 16 years of development, BRICS cooperation has yielded fruitful results and made important contributions to the cause of world peace and development." Wang Wenbin said that because of this, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been widely recognized and supported by the international community. More and more countries hope to become members of the BRICS countries, work together to overcome difficulties and challenges, and achieve common development and prosperity. Wang Wenbin said that, as the BRICS presidency this year, China actively supports the BRICS countries in starting the process of expanding their membership, and promotes the "BRICS+" cooperation to a new level. In June this year, the 14th BRICS Leaders' Meeting was successfully held. During the meeting, the leaders of the five countries reached important consensus on the expansion of BRICS membership and supported the discussion on the criteria and procedures for expansion. This has aroused warm reactions internationally, and many countries have expressed their positive will to join the BRICS. China supports and welcomes this. "Next, we will work with our BRICS partners to steadily advance the process of expanding our membership, so that more like-minded partners can participate in this promising cause." He said. (Liu Xinshe)