BRICS cooperation is open and inclusive: FM

BEIJING - BRICS nations are committed to cooperation, not confrontation with the developed countries, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday.

"Cooperation among the BRICS countries is open and inclusive. It is an important part of the South-South cooperation and an important bridge for North-South cooperation," Yang told a press conference in Beijing.

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He said China will in mid April host a meeting of leaders of BRICS, which include the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, in the southern city of Sanya, and hoped the meeting will produce important and positive results.

He said it is very important to enhance dialogues between the leaders although the countries' historical and cultural backgrounds are different.

Yang said China welcomes South Africa to join in the group, as well as South African President Jacob Zuma's participation in the Sanya meeting.

BRICS nations have played an important and constructive role in tackling global financial crisis and climate change and facilitating economic recovery, Yang said.

"I believe the BRICS nations will play a bigger role in those areas as a result of the meeting," he said.

BRICS nations also have achieved effective cooperation in environmental protection, business and commercial and think tank communication.

"We hope the meeting will innovate and promote our cooperation to bring more benefits to our people," he said.