NEW DELHI, Sept 12: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged BRICS members to play a greater role in promoting peace in West Asia and the Gulf region, saying the ongoing conflict has caused serious suffering and does not serve the interests of the international community.
Addressing the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi described the grouping as an influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing nations. He said China was prepared to work with other members to help achieve peace and stability in West Asia.
As tensions in the region continue to evolve, Xi called on BRICS countries to stand on the “right side of history” and fulfil their responsibilities in addressing global challenges.
Focus keyphrase: BRICS role in West Asia
The Chinese president also urged members to reject a Cold War mentality and oppose violations of national sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Beyond geopolitical issues, Xi called for deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, particularly to promote industrial development among BRICS economies. He also encouraged the bloc to take a leading role in shaping global governance in cyberspace, outer space and the deep sea.
Xi said BRICS nations should promote innovative development, strengthen peace and stability, and encourage greater mutual understanding among civilisations. He further stressed the need for reforms in global governance to make the international order more just and equitable.
The Chinese leader said member countries should work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Xi arrived in New Delhi early Saturday, marking his first visit to India in seven years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received him at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the summit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung are among the leaders attending the summit.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank chief Zou Jiayi are also participating in the gathering.