Chinese president says BRICS cooperation benefits world economy

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that cooperation among BRICS countries is conducive to a more balanced world economy and the improvement of global economic governance.

"Cooperation among BRICS countries can help build a more balanced world economy, improve global economic governance and promote democracy in international relations," Xi said in a joint interview with Xinhua and media outlets from BRICS countries.

He said the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have become an important force in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

As to the reform of the global economic governance, Xi said it must reflect the profound changes in the global economic landscape, and the representation and the voice of emerging markets and developing countries should be raised.

The newly-elected president of China is scheduled to attend the fifth BRICS summit on March 26-27 in Durban, South Africa.

He said China is expecting the summit to send positive messages of unity, cooperation and double win to the international community.

It is the first time that the BRICS summit is held on the African continent, with the cooperation between the BRICS countries and Africa high on the agenda.

Xi said both China and Africa are of the developing world and share broad common interests, pledging Beijing will continue its role as a staunch supporter of Africa's development.

"No matter how international landscape may change, China will continue to support and promote Africa's efforts to achieve peace, stability, prosperity and development, seek strength through unity and participate in international affairs on a basis of equality," the president said.

China and Africa are enjoying all-around and mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.

In addition to attending the BRICS summit, Xi is also due to visit Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo between March 22 and 30 on his first overseas tour since he took office last week, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

With Russia to be the first leg, Xi said his forthcoming visit to Moscow shows the high level and special nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries.

"The fact that I will visit Russia, our friendly neighbor, shortly after I become China's president, is a testimony to the great importance China places on its relations with Russia," Xi said.

"China and Russia are each other's major and most important strategic partners of coordination and both countries accord priority to their bilateral relationship in their overall diplomatic agenda and foreign policy," Xi said.

He said the two countries should consolidate strategic and political mutual trust, enhance mutual support in issues concerning each other's core interests, expand pragmatic cooperation and deepen people-to-people communication.

China and Russia should strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs to safeguard world peace, safety and stability, Xi said, adding he is looking forward to exchanging views with Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral ties.

Commenting on the relations with the rest of the world, Xi said China will adhere to the path of peaceful development.

"China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development. In the meantime, we hope all countries in the world will pursue peaceful development," Xi said.

China, as its strength grows, will assume more international responsibilities and obligations within the scope of its capabilities and make greater contribution to world peace and development, the president said.

China hopes that countries and civilizations around the world will carry out exchanges on the equal footing, learn form each other and achieve common progress, added Xi.

The Chinese president also urged all countries to make united efforts to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.