IBSA agrees to focus efforts on implementation of their initiatives: PM(Embargoed till 2.30 a.m)

Brasilia, April 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said the IBSA countries-India, Brazil, and South Africa-have agreed to focus their efforts on the implementation of the various initiatives which they have launched under the IBSA framework.

Talking about the IBSA Summit held here today, Dr. Singh said: IBSA has entered a phase of consolidation. In this Summit, we have agreed to focus our efforts on the implementation of the various initiatives we have launched under the IBSA framework."

"We have issued a Joint Declaration that spells out our common approach on global issues confronting our societies," Dr. Singh informed.

"IBSA framework has become the embodiment of South-South Cooperation and over the years has moved from strength to strength," he said.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also held discussions with Brazilian President Lula, South African President Zuma on the multi-faceted cooperation under IBSA, and on several important global issues.

Prime Minister Dr. Singh during the opening remarks at the press conference after the IBSA Summit said: "The IBSA framework has become the embodiment of South-South Cooperation. In a period of seven years, when the idea of establishing IBSA was first discussed, IBSA has moved from strength to strength."

"This is our fourth Summit, and marks the commencement of the second cycle of Summits. We have developed an institutional structure for enhancing our trilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, science, and technology, energy, economic cooperation, transportation, ocean research and space science," he added.

Promotion of people to people interaction and greater mutual awareness of each other, Dr. Singh said, is the hallmark of IBSA.

"The several forums and Working Groups that have met here for the past few days strengthen my belief that we are proceeding in the right direction of strengthening civil society interface among our countries," said Dr. Singh and added: "IBSA is largely a peoples project. The collaborative activities within the IBSA framework hold immense promise for people."

IBSA countries, Dr. Singh said have rich experience of consulting each other on global issues.

"We have worked together on trade, development, and climate change issues. We share similar views with regard to the reform of global institutions of governance. We are united by the primacy we accord to development and issues such as food security, social inclusiveness and energy security," he said.

"I firmly believe that IBSA has developed into a vibrant organization and will continue to play an important role in global affairs," Dr. Singh further stated. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)