Chinese president attends BRICS summit

Chinese President Hu Jintao and leaders of the world’s other top emerging economies met yesterday to discuss global governance and sustainable development and to coordinate their stands on major world and regional issues.The fourth summit of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, comes at a crucial moment for the bloc, as the global economic recovery is still struggling against fragile financial systems, high public and private debt, high unemployment and the rising price of oil.Pressing issues, such as climate change, food security and energy security are also posing challenges to the world. With the theme of “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity,” the leaders are expected to discuss “political, economic and social issues of mutual and international interest,” according to the summit host, India.“The summit will take forward the continuing efforts towards strengthening cooperation, consultation and coordination among the BRICS countries for the benefit of their people and of the internationalcommunity,” the summit secretariat said in a message posted on its website.Hu is expected to speak at the summit and elaborate on China’s position on global governance, sustainable development and cooperation among BRICS countries.At the end of the meeting, the BRICS leaders will meet the media and issue a declaration on major world and regional issues.Speaking at a press conference on March 6, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China expected the BRICS summit to find “new impetus for global economic recovery” and help enhance people’s confidence. China was looking forward to promoting a bigger and constructive role for BRICS nations in international affairs and a relaxation of regional tension to maintain stability, Yang said. “China also hopes to enhance practical cooperation among BRICS members, especially in economic and financial fields, so as to benefit people of these countries and the rest of the world,” he said.