"BRICS is currently considering about 30 applications from various countries, large, small, and medium-sized, which propose to establish various forms of cooperation," Lavrov told the Channel One broadcaster.
Additionally, BRICS will introduce a category of "partner countries," the minister said.
Lavrov will also take part in a meeting of foreign ministers of the BRICS countries in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod from June 10-11, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said .
"One of the most important events planned for the coming week is a meeting of the heads of foreign affairs ministries of the BRICS countries in Nizhny Novgorod. It will take place from June 10-11 as part of the Russian chairmanship in this association. A separate meeting will be held with the participation of a number of countries of the global South and East," Zakharova said on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).