President Xi voices support for Global South at final day of BRICS Kazan summit at the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue.
As BRICS leaders gathered with non-member nations seeking closer ties on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed strong backing for the Global South.
During the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue at the Kazan summit’s final day, Xi emphasized that “the collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world.” He added, “We support more Global South countries joining BRICS as full members, partner countries, or in the ‘BRICS Plus’ format, enabling us to unite the strength of the Global South to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Xi reiterated that regardless of global shifts, “China will always hold the Global South in high regard, keeping our roots in the Global South.”
The meeting was attended by leaders from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, along with representatives from several international organizations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The 16th BRICS Summit covered a broad agenda of critical issues, such as global peace, governance reforms, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, climate change, and the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
Chairing the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of discussing these issues with Global South countries. “All our nations share similar aspirations, values, and a vision for a democratic world order that respects cultural and civilizational diversity,” he noted.
This Kazan summit marked the first in-person meeting of BRICS leaders since the group’s expansion last year. The leaders adopted the Kazan summit declaration, summarizing key outcomes, including the commitment to grow the New Development Bank as a unique multilateral development bank, support its membership expansion, and accelerate membership reviews in line with strategy and policies.
The BRICS declaration also encouraged enhanced financial cooperation and the promotion of local currency settlements.
Leaders from non-member nations expressed optimism for BRICS’ future. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted BRICS’ potential and experience in fostering respect-based partnerships. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith also noted BRICS’ significant role in reshaping the global order.
IMF forecasts now show the global economy relying more on BRICS nations to drive growth, with an increased share of expansion expected from these economies over the next five years.
Professor B.R. Deepak from Jawaharlal Nehru University remarked that BRICS has been pivotal in advancing multilateralism and noted its strong appeal within the Global South, which seeks to benefit from the platform’s offerings.
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