Kazan, October 23, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS nations to focus on high-quality development and strengthen cooperation within the group during his address at the 16th BRICS Summit on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for the BRICS countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, particularly with nations from the Global South, while also playing a key role in reforming global governance.
During his speech, President Xi highlighted the ongoing summit’s decision to invite several nations to join the BRICS cooperation framework, calling it a significant step forward for the group. He urged BRICS members to work together in transforming the multilateral mechanism into a major platform for solidarity, cooperation, and reform.
Xi also called for BRICS countries to act as guardians of global peace and common security. He stressed the importance of de-escalating the Ukraine crisis, urging the group to uphold the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of conflict, and no provocations, to achieve de-escalation as soon as possible.
In advocating for innovation, Xi encouraged BRICS nations to become pioneers of high-quality development. He also championed the creation of a “green BRICS,” calling for greater collaboration in green industries, clean energy, and green minerals. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting these efforts, offering to expand cooperation in environmental sectors.
Xi further called for BRICS to lead in reforming the global governance system, underscoring the growing prominence of the Global South. He urged the group to enhance its representation and influence in global governance, advocating for an accelerated expansion of BRICS membership and the inclusion of more partner countries.
Recognizing the need for international financial reform, Xi emphasized the urgency of updating the current international financial architecture to better reflect the shifting dynamics of the global economy. He called for strengthening the New Development Bank, encouraging BRICS to lead efforts in aligning the global financial system with these changes.
President Xi also stressed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering harmony among different civilizations. As part of China’s contribution to advancing education within BRICS, Xi announced that China will establish 10 overseas learning centers in BRICS countries over the next five years, providing training for 1,000 educators, administrators, and students.
Xi’s speech reflects a clear call for BRICS members to take on a leadership role in addressing global challenges, advancing sustainable development, and reforming international systems to better serve the Global South.
