The recently concluded summit in the Russian city of Kazan has opened a new phase of greater BRICS cooperation and forged a new consensus for the solidarity and revitalization of the Global South, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when briefing the media about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the 16th BRICS Summit, held from Tuesday to Thursday, after the Chinese leader concluded the trip to Kazan.
In less than 48 hours in Kazan, President Xi attended more than 10 events, with a packed and intensive schedule. “The visit was a complete success,” said Wang. “China has once again played an important role as one of the cornerstones of BRICS cooperation and a key member of the Global South.”
Greater BRICS Cooperation
The Kazan summit was the first face-to-face gathering of the group’s leaders after Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates became BRICS members on January 1, 2024, joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
With more than 30 nations having either formally applied for or expressed interest in BRICS membership, many other developing countries are seeking deeper cooperation with the group.
Delivering a speech at the summit on Wednesday, President Xi called on BRICS members to align with the rising trend of the Global South and actively respond to the call of countries wishing to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
During the summit, the leaders reached an agreement to invite additional countries to become BRICS partner nations, marking another important development for the group.
“It marks a new level in building the BRICS cooperation mechanism, further enhancing its representativeness, appeal, influence, and vitality,” said Wang Yi. “BRICS has become a strategic force in constructing a more just and equitable global governance system.”
Global South Solidarity
Speaking at the BRICS Plus leaders’ dialogue on Thursday, President Xi stated that no matter how the international landscape evolves, “we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South.”
China supports more Global South countries in joining the BRICS cause as full members, partner countries, or in the BRICS Plus format “so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South” to build a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.
At the dialogue, leaders of more than 30 countries had in-depth exchanges of views on strengthening multilateralism and promoting equitable global development and security.
All sides opposed power politics, bullying, and double standards, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reforms to the international economic and financial order, according to Wang.
“This highlighted the Global South’s desire for peace and security, pursuit of development and prosperity, and aspiration for fairness and justice,” he said.
Head-of-State Diplomacy
During the summit, President Xi also had in-depth exchanges with world leaders on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations, and the current international situation.
In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Xi noted that China and Russia have found the right way for neighboring major countries to get along, featuring non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.
“China and Russia should firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and jointly safeguard global strategic stability and international fairness and justice,” Xi said.
During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, Xi urged China and India to strengthen communication and cooperation, enhance strategic mutual trust, and facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations.
Xi and Modi commended the important progress the two sides had recently made through intensive communication on resolving relevant issues in the border areas, and agreed to make efforts to ensure peace and tranquility in the border regions. The two sides also agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation in multilateral efforts to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Wang Yi mentioned that during the leaders’ discussions with President Xi, all of them expressed their firm commitment to the one-China principle and unwavering support for China’s legitimate stance on core issues.
The leaders expressed hope to further strengthen development strategy alignment with China, enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.
Reference(s):
Kazan summit opens new phase of greater BRICS cooperation: Wang Yi
cgtn.com
