IBSA has entered period of consolidation, must focus on new intiatives: PM

Brasilia (Brazil), Apr.16 (ANI): Stating that the India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) grouping has entered a phase of consolidation, visiting Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday that leaders and governments of these three countries should focus implementing various initiatives taken up under its framework.

Delivering an opening statement at the start of the summit, Dr. Singh said: "We have issued a Joint Declaration that spells out our common approach on global issues confronting our societies. I firmly believe that IBSA has developed into a vibrant organisation, and will continue to play an important role in global affairs."

He further went on to say that he had had a very useful round of discussions on our multi-faceted cooperation under IBSA, and on several important global issues.

"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," Dr. Singh said.

"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.Promotion of people-to-people interaction and greater mutual awareness of each other is the hallmark of IBSA," he added.

He said that the outcome of the meetings of several forums and Working Groups, had strengthened his belief that IBSA is "proceeding in the right direction of strengthening civil society interface."

In conclusion, Dr. Singh said: "IBSA is largely a peoples project. The collaborative activities within the IBSA framework hold immense promise for our people. IBSA countries 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." By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)