BRICS nations call for concerted efforts to combat terrorism

During the meeting the foreign ministers reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council

India and other BRICS nations have called for concerted efforts to combat terrorism on a "firm international legal basis" as they underscored that terrorist activities of extremist organisations like ISIS pose a direct threat to the whole international community.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj chaired a meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly here yesterday during which they reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative and efficient.

The foreign ministers urged concerted efforts to counter terrorism on a "firm international legal basis" under the UN auspices as they underscored that terrorist activities of extremist organisations which control large parts of territory of Iraq and Syria pose a direct threat not only to all the countries in the Middle East but to the whole international community, a press statement released after the meeting said.

The ministers also expressed their concern over continued conflicts in several regions which undermine stability and security and provide fertile grounds for terrorist activities and cause migration waves.

Condemning terrorism in all its forms, the ministers expressed their conviction that a comprehensive approach was necessary to ensure an effective fight against terrorism.

The ministers stressed the importance of closer economic, financial and trade cooperation, particularly through policy coordination, timely implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership and the full functioning of the New Development Bank and its African Regional Centre.

They stressed the need to continue support to the process of political settlement of the conflict in Syria and welcomed the efforts to resolve conflicts in Africa led by Africa.

They also reiterated their deep concern about the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing that the only way to reconciliation is through inclusive political dialogue. They expressed their full support for a successful outcome at the climate change summit to be held in Paris later this year.

"They called for a comprehensive, balanced and equitable agreement with legal force for the post 2020 period that is in conformity" with the principles and provisions of the UN convention on climate change "to be attained in an open, transparent and inclusive negotiating process."

The leaders also discussed the current state of the global economy and finances and expressed full confidence in the economic prospects of the BRICS nations.

"They also highlighted the importance of decisive and effective actions to accelerate global growth. They reiterated the urgency of unblocking the IMF reform as a measure to reform global economic governance consistent with the interests and needs of the developing countries," it said.

Swaraj, who arrived in the city to attend the UN General Assembly debate which she will address tomorrow, had a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings here.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup later said the BRICS meeting was significant against the backdrop of India assuming its chairmanship in February 2016.

He said it is expected that the first project of the BRICS Development Bank will be launched by the time India assumes the chairmanship next year.