President Hu Jintao said Thursday that BRICS members should promote cooperation to a new level, as cooperation among them now "stands at a new starting point."

Chinese President Hu Jintao attends the evening party on Wednesday hosted by Indian President Pratibha Patil for BRICS leaders who are here for the fourth BRICS summits. [Xinhua photo]

 

Speaking at the plenary session of the fourth summit of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the Chinese leader explained China's position on global governance, sustainable development and BRICS cooperation.

"The BRICS countries are an integral part of the big family of emerging markets, and developing countries, and we are forces for world peace and common development," he said.

"BRICS cooperation now stands at a new starting point," he said, adding that "we need to seek ways to build on past achievements and take BRICS cooperation to a new level through pioneering efforts."

The president made the following proposals on BRICS cooperation:

-- To stay committed to common development and promote common prosperity;

-- To stay committed to consultation on an equal footing and deepen political trust;

-- To stay committed to practical cooperation and firm up basis for cooperation;

-- To stay committed to international cooperation and promote the development of the whole world;

Hu said he was convinced that with further improvement of its mechanism, BRICS cooperation will produce more fruitful results.

"This will not only help enhance the well-being of our people, but also contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity," he said.

The Chinese president also said that China has made well-recognized achievements in development since the adoption of the policy of reform and opening up more than 30 years ago.

"China's rapid growth has not only enabled the 1.3 billion Chinese people to lead a better life, but also offered development opportunities for other countries," he said.

No matter how the international situation may evolve, China will always hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation and remain committed to the path of peaceful development and the win-win strategy of opening-up, Hu said.

While pursuing its own development, China will work for common development of the whole world, firmly support BRICS cooperation and always stand together with developing countries, he added.

Other BRICS leaders also spoke at the plenary session.

The fourth summit of BRICS opened here Thursday for discussions on global governance and sustainable development and coordination of stands on major world and regional issues.

The summit 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 BRIC leaders are expected to discuss "political, economic and social issues of mutual and international interest," according to the summit host, India.

At the end of the meeting, the BRICS leaders will meet the press, and issue a declaration on major world and regional issues.