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New Delhi, Apr 12 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that it would be to the advantage of five-nation BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping to coordinate in key areas of development.

In an interview to Xinhua, Dr. Singh said: “BRICS is a relatively new grouping, and the contours of our cooperation are in the process of evolution. We have however done well despite being such a young grouping.”

“We should continue to enhance coordination on major issues such as the nature of the world economy we wish to see, a democratic and equitable world order, global governance reform and issues like food and energy security and climate change,” he added.

Emphasising that BRICS countries have huge potential individually, Dr. Singh said: “We should aim to combine these strengths and pool them together. Regular Summit meetings have enhanced mutual understanding and cooperation at all levels and across a wide range of sectors.

“We should build upon cooperation and exchanges through meetings of Foreign Ministers, Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, Agriculture Ministers, National Statistical Authorities and other sectors which touch upon the economic well-being of our people,” he added

He said we should also enhance dialogue and exchanges among our civil societies, media, businesses, scholars and youth.

“We should use the opportunity provided by the presence of all the BRICS countries on the UN Security Council to shape and guide the international discourse on issues of importance to us,” he added.

Asked what he expect from the upcoming BRICS summit, Dr Singh said: “We have a substantive agenda for the Summit. This includes discussions on the international situation, international economic and financial issues, development and sectoral cooperation.”

“I look forward to reviewing the decisions we took at the last G-20 Summit in Seoul,” he added.

Asked what impact he think this will have on the economic development of African countries, Dr Singh said: ” South Africa is a valued friend and partner of India. It is a large and vibrant economy and plays an important role in global affairs. Its presence will lend weight to BRICS and introduce the African perspective to the burning issues of our times. India, therefore, warmly welcomes South Africa’s membership of BRICS.

“If we as the BRICS can contribute to the development of Africa, and articulate its priorities in international forums, this would benefit not just Africa but the entire world,” he added. (ANI)