Cooperation is important for peace, development: Modi at BRICS plenary session

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday welcomed BRICS leaders at the International Conference Center in Xiamen. The Summit began with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping.

Modi while speaking at the BRICS Plenary Session in Xiamen said that the cooperation is important for peace and development. Modi also said that trade and economy is the foundation of the co-operation among BRICS countries

''NDB has started disbursing loans in pursuit to mobilize sources of infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS countries. We are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty; to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education,'' Modi said.

''A strong BRICS partnership and innovation I am sure will be the instrument for progress. BRICS countries can work closely with ISA to strengthen the solar energy agenda. Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities & promote co-operation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement & the IMF,'' the Prime Minister said.

Earlier, Xi, while inaugurating the BRICS business council, also called on BRICS countries to take a constructive part in the process of resolving geopolitical "hotspot issues" and make due contributions.

Xi said,''As the world undergoes profound changes, BRICS cooperation has become more important.'' ''Despite our differences in national conditions, our 5 countries are in similar stage of development and share same development cause. We should speak with one voice and jointly present our solutions to issues concerning international peace & development.''

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''Our ever closer ties with rest of the world require that we 5countries play a more active part in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved,'' Xi said.

Modi is also said to meet Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Trade and terror are expected to feature in the agenda when the two leaders talk. The meeting attains significance as the first exchange between the two leaders after the month-long Doklam standoff.

India is also expected to raise its concerns over terrorism at the BRICS Summit, with Modi asserting that the grouping has to make important contributions in upholding peace and security, and address global challenges.

The Summit will be the first gathering when the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will meet after New Delhi and Beijing decided on "expeditious disengagement" of their border troops in the disputed Dokalam area on August 28 after over a two month standoff between them.

Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, venue of the 9th BRICS Summit in this port city of China and was followed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

OneIndia News