BRICS cooperation benefits world economy - Chinese President

CHINA: Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that cooperation among BRICS countries is conducive to a more balanced world economy and the improvement of global economic governance.

“Cooperation among BRICS countries can help build a more balanced world economy, improve global economic governance and promote democracy in international relations,” Xi said in a joint interview with Xinhua and media outlets from BRICS countries.

He said the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have become an important force in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

As to the reform of the global economic governance, Xi said it must reflect the profound changes in the global economic landscape, and the representation and the voice of emerging markets and developing countries should be raised.

The newly-elected president of China is scheduled to attend the fifth BRICS summit on March 26-27 in Durban, South Africa.

He said China is expecting the summit to send positive messages of unity, cooperation and double win to the international community. It is the first time that the BRICS summit is held on the African continent, with the cooperation between the BRICS countries and Africa high on the agenda.

Xi said both China and Africa are of the developing world and share broad common interests, pledging Beijing will continue its role as a staunch supporter of Africa's development.

“No matter how international landscape may change, China will continue to support and promote Africa's efforts to achieve peace, stability, prosperity and development, seek strength through unity and participate in international affairs on a basis of equality,” the president said.

China and Africa are enjoying all-around and mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.

In addition to attending the BRICS summit, Xi is also due to visit Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo between March 22 and 30 on his first overseas tour since he took office last week, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

With Russia to be the first leg, Xi said his forthcoming visit to Moscow shows the high level and special nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries.

AFP