17 July 2007
1. The Minister of External Affairs of India, HE Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Minister of External Relations of Brazil, H.E Mr Celso Amorim, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, HE Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, met in New Delhi on 17 July 2007 for the Fourth Meeting of the Trilateral Commission of the IBSA Dialogue Forum.
2. The Ministers reaffirmed the IBSA Dialogue as an important mechanism for political consultations and co-ordination on important regional and global developments. The Ministers reconfirmed their determination to play a constructive role in international affairs and to maintain friendly relations with all countries. The Ministers called for enhancing socio-economic co-operation in various sectors among India, Brazil and South Africa, inter alia, by implementation of decisions taken earlier.
Global issues
Global governance
3. The Ministers stressed the need to make the structures of global governance more democratic, representative and legitimate by increasing the participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions.
4. The Ministers reiterated their continued support for the reform of the United Nations to make it more democratic and responsive to the priorities of its Member States, particularly those of developing countries that constitute the vast majority of its membership.
5. The Ministers emphasised that the Security Council must, in its composition, represent contemporary realities and not those of the year 1945. Keeping in view that the decisions of the Security Council should serve the interests of the larger United Nations (UN) Membership, the Ministers emphasised the need for the urgent reform of the Security Council that would include its expansion in both categories of membership, permanent and non-permanent, in order to render it more democratic, legitimate, representative and responsive.
6. Towards this end, the representation of developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, as permanent members of the Security Council, is essential. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue to jointly pursue a decision on the Security Council expansion. In this regard, they noted the ongoing efforts at the United Nations. This commitment will be pursued on an urgent basis, with a view to achieving concrete results by the end of the 61st UN General Assembly.
7. The Ministers welcomed the operationalisation of the Peace Building Commission in June 2006 and the Peace Building Fund in October 2006. The Ministers noted with satisfaction the Peace Building Commission's efforts to provide medium and long-term peace consolidation advice to countries emerging from conflict situations, as well as funding from the Peace Building Fund for peace consolidation projects. With the cases of Sierra Leone and Burundi being examined by the Peace Building Commission in their country - specific configurations, the Peace Building Commission has produced satisfactory results. However, in the year ahead, the Ministers noted the need for the Peace Building Commission to work towards more practical and concrete outcomes from its efforts to promote peace consolidation. In this context, as members of the current Organisational Committee of the Peace Building Commission, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote further concrete outcomes from the Peace Building Commission in the year ahead.
8. The Ministers also expressed satisfaction on the first year of the functioning of the Human Rights Council, created as part of the UN reform process in 2006, and expressed their commitment to ensuring that it fulfils the expectations of the international community. Following the establishment of the Peace Building Commission and the Human Rights Council, the UN reform process must now concentrate on reform of the Security Council.
9. The Ministers recommitted their respective delegations to the UN and its specialised agencies, as well as other multilateral bodies, to remain in close contact with each other and to consult on all issues of significance.
10. The Ministers stressed the necessity of reforming the International Financial Architecture, specially by enhancing the voice and participation of developing countries in the Bretton Woods institutions and expressed concern at the slow rate of progress that has been achieved so far.
Millennium Development Goals
11. The Ministers stressed that achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as part of global efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, required international support. The Ministers noted with concern that commitments undertaken by developed countries for increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) have not been fulfilled. The Ministers further stressed the need by developed countries to liberalise trade and eliminate subsidies on products of interest to developing countries. The Ministers also reiterated the importance of capacity building and equity and transparency in international economic relations for developing countries to achieve the MDGs, especially sub-Saharan Africa. The Ministers underscored their agreement to work together to eradicate poverty and promote sustained economic growth, sustainable development and global prosperity for all.
International trade
Proposed Mercosur-India-SACU Trilateral Free Trade Area
12. With reference to paragraph 45 of the First IBSA Summit Meeting Joint Declaration (Brasília, 13 September 2006), the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the determination of the Heads of State and Government concerning the expeditious establishment of the Working Group to focus on the modalities for the envisaged India-Mercosur-SACU Trilateral Free Trade Agreement (T-FTA). In this regard, India, South Africa and Brazil support the establishment of the Working Group no later than early September 2007. As members of SACU and MERCOSUR, respectively, South Africa will work with its partners in SACU, and Brazil will work with Mercosur's pro-tempore President with a view to setting a date and place for the first meeting of the Working Group.
13. The Ministers noted that while global trade plays an important role in fostering economic development and fighting poverty, it continues to face important barriers and distortions particularly in the agricultural sector, which affect the overall efforts of developing countries to enhance the well-being of their societies.
14. The Ministers urged the World Trade Organisation (WTO) members to reaffirm their commitments to achieve the necessary agreements, so as to conclude the negotiations of the Doha Development Agenda. The Ministers expressed the view that Brazil, India and South Africa as members of the WTO Group of 20, share the belief that the cornerstone of the current negotiations is the agricultural sector, which is of utmost relevance for the well-being of our most vulnerable populations. In particular, agreement has to be reached to eliminate trade distortions, especially those limiting access to the developed countries' markets, including domestic support and other forms of internal support instrumented by the developed countries. Meaningful and operable special and differential treatment, which includes development instruments of Special Products and the Special Safeguard Mechanism are vital to address the concerns of developing countries with subsistence and low-income farmers. The Ministers emphasised that any progress towards achieving these aforementioned goals will have a positive impact on the overall process of the Doha Round, in particular in the NAMA and services negotiations.
15. The Ministers noted that an effective Aid for Trade programme will enhance growth prospects and reduce poverty in developing countries. As this requires substantial, additional, targeted resources for trade-related programmes and projects, the Ministers urged developed countries to leverage their aid for infrastructural development so that developing countries, particularly least developed countries (LDCs), could benefit from the present level of market access available to them.
16. The Ministers underlined that a more open world economy takes into account the promotion of financial flows, notably foreign direct investment, in a way that contributes to the sustainability of development, the transfer of avant-garde technology and the creation of decent employment, all of which are tools for the definitive fight against poverty.
Climate change
17. The Ministers noted that climate change is a global challenge with strong economic, environmental and social dimensions. It impacts all countries, but is particularly severe for developing countries, given their vulnerabilities, inadequate means and limited capacities to adapt to its effects. The recent reports of the IPCC have reaffirmed the need for urgent action. The Ministers reaffirmed that at this critical juncture all countries should do more in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Ministers also urged that immediate and real effect must be given to commitments on international co-operation in fighting climate change, especially in the areas of adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building and the development of the carbon market. This co-operation should be framed by the need to address unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.
18. The Ministers underlined that climate change is a global phenomenon that requires an international response under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Any new co-operative effort to tackle climate change should not undermine the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, but rather complement these instruments. Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in developed countries is key to address climate change given their responsibilities in causing it. Developed countries must take the lead by making further truly significant commitments at an early date for GHG reductions in the period beyond 2012. Early and significant commitments would give a long-term and strong signal to the private sector, including in its involvement in climate related investments, and spur the carbon market. The Clean Development Mechanism's contribution to sustainable development and transfer of clean technologies to developing countries would also be enhanced significantly.
19. The Ministers agreed that in the energy sector lies a strategic opportunity for the IBSA partners to engage in a pioneer and fruitful dialogue among developing countries with a view to strengthen co-ordination regarding cross-cutting issues such as poverty eradication, climate change, energy security and South-South co-operation.
20. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the successful launching of the International Biofuels Forum which took place on 2 March 2007 in New York and reaffirmed the importance of the efforts being made in the context of the initiative to promote the establishment of an international market for biofuels.
21. The Ministers welcomed the forthcoming realisation of the Biofuels International Conference to be held in Brazil, in July 2008, to discuss how to enhance international co-operation to promote the production and use of biofuels in the global level. The Ministers mentioned the contribution of biofuels as a cost-effective and immediate measure to address climate change accessible to developing countries.
22. The Ministers stressed that in order for developing countries to contribute to the efforts to address climate change, access to adequate technology is a key enabling condition. The Ministers expressed that there was need for an agreement on transfer of technologies at affordable costs for accelerated mitigation efforts in developing countries, inter alia through increased use of renewable energy, including biofuels, and enhanced energy efficiency. Rewards for innovators need to be balanced with common good for humankind. It is also necessary and important to enhance developing countries' capacities to deploy mitigation and adaptation technologies.
23. The Ministers also expressed their commitment to the trilateral work in biofuels and urged the Trilateral Task Team on Biofuels to deepen the discussions aimed at expanding the co-operation of the partners in this field, undertaking joint research on development, production of biofuels and engine redesign so as to enlarge their applications and reduce cost of deployment.
24. The Ministers noted that many needed technologies based on resource endowments of developing countries (e.g. biomass, biofuels, clean coal) do not yet exist, or are too expensive. Collaborative research and development (R&D) between developing and developed country R&D institutions can address this gap. Financing can be through a venture capital fund, located in multilateral financial institutions, with the resulting IPRs being held by the fund, and deployed at concessional cost in developing countries. Additionally, there could be collaborative R&D projects with sharing of IPRs by the partner R&D institutions.
25. The Ministers also noted that resources required for adaptation are of the same order of magnitude as those for GHG mitigation. For this, resources from the entire carbon market, as is being done on a small scale from the 2% levy on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) proceeds should be mobilised. These resources are separate from the provision of new and additional resources to tackle the challenges of adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. The Ministers underlined that diversion of ODA resources from economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries for adaptation is not the answer as development is a prerequisite for achieving effective adaptation.
Intellectual property
26. The Ministers underscored the importance and welcomed the continued discussions on the establishment of a "Development Agenda for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)". The Ministers also emphasised the need for early conclusion of the discussions and incorporation of development dimensions in the work programs of WIPO.
27. The Ministers also reaffirmed the need to reach a solution to the problem arising out of granting of intellectual property rights on biological resources and/or associated traditional knowledge, without due compliance with relevant provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In this regard, the Ministers highlighted with great appreciation the presentation in the WTO of the proposal co-sponsored, among others, by the three IBSA countries to amend the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement by introducing a mandatory requirement for the disclosure of origin of biological resources and/or associated traditional knowledge used in inventions for which applications for intellectual property rights are filed. The Ministers also reaffirmed their support for the principle of prior informed consent and equitable benefit sharing.
28. In the context of continued increase in the grant of patents on bio-resources and traditional knowledge and also registration of trade marks, the Ministers resolved to further co-operate and intensity their efforts in resolution of these issues.
29. The Ministers reaffirmed the understanding enshrined in the Doha Declaration that the TRIPS Agreement does not and should not prevent Members from taking measures to protect public health and that accordingly each member has the right to grant compulsory licences and the freedom to determine the grounds upon which such licences are granted.
Biodiversity issues
30. The Ministers noted with appreciation the decisions of the Eighth Conference of the Parties (CoP-8) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 2006, to complete negotiations of the International Regime (IR) on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) by 2010, and to hold two negotiation meetings of the ABS Working Group prior to CoP-9 to be held in May 2008.
31. India, Brazil and South Africa, as founding members of the Group of Like Minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMCs), agreed to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination in fostering activities related to South-South co-operation, with emphasis on multilateral negotiations, in particular for ensuring timely, and successful conclusion of the IR on ABS.
South-South co-Operation
32. The Ministers reaffirmed the role of South-South co-operation as a continuing process vital to confront the challenges faced by the South, in particular its role as an important tool crucial for fostering and strengthening the economic independence of developing countries and achieving development as one of the means of ensuring the equitable global economic order.
33. The Ministers recognised that South-South co-operation has created a stronger collective voice for the countries of the South in the international arena. South-South co-operation has become an integral part of the relations among the developing countries and an important means of promoting the exchange of ideas, experience, knowledge, technical advances, skills and expertise across a broad range of sectors.
34. In order to expand both the strength and the scope of South-South co-operation, the Ministers resolved to enhance their policy co-ordination and high-level dialogue on the common challenges faced by developing countries, such as MDGs and international development co-operation, financing for development, market access in the global trading system, fighting environmental degradation and infectious diseases. The Ministers further agreed to enhance South-South co-operation in wide ranging fields, inter alia, trade and investment, S&T, infrastructure, health and education.
35. The Ministers urged the international community to provide financial and institutional support for South-South co-operation. The Ministers reaffirmed that South-South co-operation is complementary to and not a substitute for North-South co-operation.
Sustainable development
36. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment on eradication of poverty through sustainable development. The Ministers highlighted the importance of implementing the principles adopted in the Rio Declaration and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The Ministers underlined that binding targets for developing countries were inappropriate. Instead, the focus should be on compliance of targets accepted by developed countries.
37. The Ministers stressed that capacity building is a key component for ensuring sustainable development globally. The Ministers highlighted the importance of new and additional financial resources and effective transfer of environment-friendly technologies at affordable prices to developing countries for achieving this goal. In this context, the Ministers noted with concern the failure of the donor countries to meet their commitments of Official Development Assistance targets to developing countries, and urged them to fulfil their commitments.
38. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of conservation, protection and sustainable use of genetic resources. They highlighted the need to adopt an international regime to protect and safeguard the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. In this context, the Ministers urged the international community to make all efforts to conclude the negotiation process for such an international regime, within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, by 2010.
39. The Ministers noted the decision of the 11th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development regarding the multi-year framework and the fact that the 2008/09 cycle will deal with the thematic areas of agriculture, rural development, land, drought and desertification.
40. The Ministers noted the increasingly important work of the International Seabed Authority as well as the increasing commercial interests in deep seabed mining and reaffirmed their commitment to the universalisation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of the UNCLOS. The Ministers also reaffirmed that all activities affecting the area should be conducted for the benefit of mankind as a whole on the basis of relevant principles governing the Area and marine scientific research.
41. The Ministers noted the discussions on marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction that took place during the meeting of the United Nations Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process at the United Nations from 25-29 June 2007 and reiterated that the conservation, exploration and exploitation of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction should occur within the framework of the UNCLOS.
42. The Ministers reiterated their countries' commitment to achieve sustainable development, and stressed the importance of international co-operation in this regard.
Human rights
43. The Ministers noted that India, Brazil and South Africa as members of the Human Rights Council, share a common vision regarding the promotion and protection of human rights through dialogue and co-operation. Guided by this vision, the three countries actively participated in the institution-building phase of this newly-formed human rights body with a view to making the Council a strong, effective and efficient body capable of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and introducing a new work culture of co-operation and mutual understanding in the functioning of the international human rights machinery. The Ministers remain committed to continue actively participating in a co-ordinated manner in the work of the international human rights machinery to pursue the objective of securing effective enjoyment of human rights by all, including vulnerable groups and the implementation of the right to development.
Peace and security
Terrorism
44. The Ministers reaffirmed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. They stressed that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. They emphasised the need for concerted and co-ordinated action by the international community to realise the objectives of eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
45. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of the measures to combat terrorism outlined in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly Resolutions. They recalled that the Outcome Document of 2005 World Summit had called upon the member states to conclude a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism during the 60th Session of the General Assembly, and stressed the importance of finalising early the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and called upon all states to co-operate in resolving the outstanding issues with the objectives of an expeditious conclusion of negotiations and adoption of this Convention.
46. The Ministers emphasised that international co-operation in combating terrorism should be conducted in conformity with the principles of the UN Charter, international law and relevant international conventions.
Disarmament and non-proliferation
47. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to the goal of complete elimination of nuclear weapons and expressed concern over the lack of progress in realisation of that goal. The Ministers emphasised that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes requiring continuous irreversible progress on both fronts, and reaffirmed, in this regard, that the objective of non-proliferation would be best served by systematic and progressive elimination of nuclear weapons in a comprehensive, universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable manner. The Ministers recalled that similar approaches have led to the establishment of internationally legally binding instruments that have banned chemical and biological weapons and are contributing towards the total elimination of such weapons and reaffirmed their commitment to make efforts in the relevant multilateral forums for a universal instrument to ban nuclear weapons and to achieve their complete elimination. The Ministers emphasised the necessity to start negotiations on a phased programme for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons with a specified framework of time to eliminate nuclear weapons, to prohibit their development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer, use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction.
48. In this context, the Ministers also expressed concern over the inability of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world's single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, to engage in substantive work. The Ministers noted that several proposals have been made in the CD with regard to a programme of work and reiterated their commitment to work constructively to reach to a consensus taking into account the concerns of all the Member States. In this context, reiterating that the Five Ambassadors' proposal as revised in 2003 still remained a viable basis for reaching a consensus, the Ministers took note of the collective efforts made in 2007 by the six Presidents of the Conference and encouraged them to continue with their intensive consultations with a view to reaching an agreement on a programme of work to commence substantive work of the Conference.
49. The Ministers discussed the threat posed by terrorists and other non-state actors acquiring nuclear weapons or their related materials and technologies. They reaffirmed their commitment to contribute to multilateral efforts to counter such threats and promote co-operation in this regard and welcomed in this regard the adoption of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The Ministers expressed their conviction that the best way to prevent non-state actors or terrorists from acquiring nuclear weapons is the total elimination of such weapons.
50. The Ministers expressed their commitment to the universalisation of the Convention for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), as well as to the goal of ensuring their balanced, transparent and effective implementation.
51. The Ministers recalled the importance of co-operative and effective international action against the illicit trade in small arms, light weapons and ammunition. The Ministers underscored the priority to full implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).
Disaster management
52. The Ministers expressed concern over the human suffering and economic impact caused by the natural disasters throughout the world. The Ministers emphasised the need for national efforts to be supplemented by enhanced international and regional co-operation in the sphere of disaster risk reduction, mitigation and management. In this context, the ministers welcomed the establishment of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2005 which has contributed in strengthening the United Nation's capacity to respond to natural disasters in a predictable and timely manner. The Ministers also welcomed the convening of the first session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva from 5-7 June 2007, which brought together a wide range of actors associated with different aspects of disaster risk reduction and contributed in raising awareness on this important issue. The Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of enhanced co-operation among the three countries through exchange of experiences and expertise in the area of disaster reduction, mitigation and management.
Peaceful uses of nuclear energy
53. The Ministers took note with satisfaction of the positive continuing co-operation among their countries at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other fora, with a view to ensuring the unimpeded growth and development of peaceful uses of atomic energy, through the supply of technology, equipment and material, under appropriate safeguards, and reaffirmed their will to intensify such co-operation.
54. The Ministers reiterated the importance of ensuring that any multilateral decisions related to the nuclear fuel cycle do not undermine the inalienable right of States to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in conformity with their international legal obligations.
55. The Ministers emphasised the need to ensure the supply of safe, sustainable and non-polluting sources of energy to meet the rising global demand for energy, particularly in developing countries. In this context, the Ministers agreed that nuclear energy could play an important role. The Ministers agreed to explore approaches to co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under appropriate IAEA safeguards. The Ministers further agreed that international civilian nuclear co-operation, under appropriate IAEA safeguards, amongst countries committed to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation objectives could be enhanced through acceptable forward-looking approaches, consistent with their respective national and international obligations.
Regional co-operation
The New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad)
56. The Ministers recognised the new trends in socio-economic development in Africa and its growing relationship through the Africa Union and with its partners such as India and Brazil. The Ministers also recognised the efforts made by the African Union to harmonise the regional economic communities and the closer harmonisation with the Nepad Programme of the African Union. The Ministers committed themselves to share their development experience among one another in support of these broader objectives of the African Union and look for creating support to regional integration and the development of regional projects keeping in view their own experience. The Ministers agreed to consider partnership with the Pan-African Infrastructure Development Programme's projects.
Union of South American Nations
57. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the Union of South American Nations, recognising it as a major achievement in the process of strengthening the political co-ordination and economic, commercial and infrastructural integration among South American countries.
Regional issues
The Middle East peace process
58. The complementarities of the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap, which essentially focus on the revival of dialogue for a peacefully, negotiated solution, on the unfinished issues of the Arab-Israeli conflict on the Palestine, Syrian and Lebanese tracks, including the Final Status Issues, through active dialogue by the parties directly concerned, need to be addressed. The Ministers reaffirmed support for the objective of establishing a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, within recognised and well-defined borders, living side by side at peace with the State of Israel, through peaceful negotiations. The Ministers supported addressing all remaining tracks, i.e. the Syrian and the Lebanese tracks, for comprehensive peace and stability in the region.
Iran
59. The Ministers reaffirmed the inalienable right of all States to the peaceful application of nuclear energy, consistent with their international legal obligations. The Ministers called for a diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue within the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iraq
60. The Ministers emphasised the need for the return of peace and stability in Iraq which are essential for its development and prosperity. A peaceful, united and stable Iraq requires a democratic and inclusive polity. The UN together with the International Community has an important role to play in this regard. The launch of an International Compact on Iraq and discussions held in March and May 2007 with the participation of Iraq's neighbors, UN, G8, and P5 countries are noteworthy developments. The Ministers reiterated support to Iraq for its efforts at reconstruction and development.
Afghanistan
61. The Ministers expressed their strong support for a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan and reaffirmed their commitment for the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan. The Ministers expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the consequential risk of undermining the gains made in the recent past. The Ministers agreed that the resurgence of the Taliban, the growth in cross border terrorism and its links with international terrorism, underlined the magnitude of challenge the people of Afghanistan and the international community faced. The Ministers reiterated that a coherent and a united international effort both in its development and security aspects remained of paramount importance. The Ministers commended the Government of Afghanistan led by President Karzai for its efforts to strengthen and consolidate the democratic process and constitutional institutions of Afghanistan. The Ministers agreed that advancing regional co-operation was crucial to Afghanistan's future and in that context hailed the emergence of Afghanistan as the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation's (SAARC) eighth member.
Lebanon
62. The Ministers expressed their concern for the continued political tension in Lebanon and urged Lebanese political groups to commit themselves to resolve their differences by dialogue and good faith negotiations, preserving the plural character of the Lebanese society, the sovereignty of the country and the democratic nature of its institutions. The Ministers supported the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002-2007 as an important basis to achieve peace and stability in the region as a whole and in Lebanon in particular. The Ministers welcomed the recent efforts by the League of Arab States as important steps to create a suitable environment to re-launch internal political dialogue. The Ministers expressed their full support to the Lebanese government as the only legitimate defender of public order in Lebanon, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1559 and 1701. The Lebanese track should be resolved through peaceful negotiations, for comprehensive regional peace and stability.
Sudan
63. The Ministers urged and supported the Government of Sudan, and all parties directly concerned in addressing the internal political and humanitarian situation, in the province of Darfur in an expeditious manner, to alleviate civilian suffering and strengthen necessary political and development structures. The Ministers called on all parties to co-operate in the peace process to finalise the internal Darfur Dialogue, under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and the UN.
64. The Ministers noted the development relating to the UN-AU hybrid operation in Darfur, in accordance to the Addis Ababa Agreement, signed between UN, AU and the Sudanese government on 12 June 2007 on the deployment of hybrid forces, which may contribute to the stabilisation of the situation in Darfur and in its political, humanitarian and security dimensions. The Ministers considered that any further measures to be taken in connection to the situation in Darfur should not adversely affect the civilian population, and aggravate the situation on the ground.
IBSA sectoral co-operation
65. The Ministers reviewed the work of the sectoral working groups and adopted their reports.
66. The Ministers stressed the need for the Working Groups to meet regularly, while drawing up their Plans of Action with time-bound deliverables.
67. The Ministers discussed ways and means of enhancing the visibility of IBSA and taking it to the peoples of the three countries. This could be done in various ways and the focal points were instructed to prepare proposals for this purpose, including appropriate participation by civil society.
Revenue administration
68. The Ministers decided to formalise the establishment of an additional sectoral working group on Revenue Administration. The Ministers noted the signing of the Bilateral Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreements on Customs matters between India and Brazil and the conclusion of the negotiations on the Bilateral Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreements on Customs matters between India & South Africa, and South Africa & Brazil. The Ministers noted that the meeting of the Heads of Revenue Administration would be held in Brazil prior to the Second IBSA Summit.
Education
69 The Ministers welcomed the holding of an Academic Workshop and Working Group in Durban, South Africa, during 29 June to 1 July 2007 wherein five areas of co-operation were identified, viz. engineering, computer science and mathematics; biotechnology, agriculture and livestock; sustainable development; social transformation and empowerment; and higher education studies. The Ministers noted that the IBSA Programme on Higher Education would be signed at the Second IBSA Summit.
70. The Ministers noted with satisfaction that the heads of the Diplomatic Academies of three countries would meet in Brazil in September 2007.
Agriculture
71. The Ministers noted that the Joint Working Group on Agriculture has agreed on developing joint projects and decided to have six sub-groups, viz., (a) animal health and animal production, (b) bio-fuels in the context of agriculture, (c) sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) issues, (d) agro-processing and agro-business including food park, (e) research and capacity building, and (f) policy issues including poverty alleviation. Each IBSA country will lead in two sub-groups. The Ministers urged early identification of joint projects.
72. The Ministers stressed that the modalities of communication through video-conferencing and Internet etc. may be adopted and used frequently.
Trade and investment
73. The Ministers also welcomed the Seminar on Technical Regulations and Standards, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on 12 July 2007 which was a concrete step to implement the Action Plan on Technical Regulations, Standards and Conformity Assessment Procedures signed during the First IBSA Summit.
74. The Ministers welcomed the South African proposal of organising a Business Meeting during the Second IBSA Summit.
75. The Ministers welcomed the proposal for participation by their business and industry in one another's principal trade fairs/industry expositions. They instructed the Working Group on Trade and Investment to device equitable modalities for such participation, including identification of the fairs/expositions.
Energy
76. The Ministers reiterated that energy is a strategic area for common action. They noted that various areas for future co-operation are: bio-fuels, synthetic/alternate fuels, grid-interactive power, renewable resources like wind power and solar energy, remote areas electrification, energy efficiency and conservation. The Ministers stressed the need to identify specific activities envisaged under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishing a Trilateral Task Team on Bio-fuels and report progress at the Second IBSA Summit. The Ministers welcomed South Africa's proposal to organise the Coal to Liquid (CTL) and/or Gas to Liquid (GTL) Seminar on the margins of the Second IBSA Summit. They also welcomed the commitment to finalise and sign the MoU on Wind Energy Resource at the Second IBSA Summit.
Transport
77. The Ministers reiterated the need to develop the Transport Action Plan with clear deliverables and time frames for accelerating implementation of the transport co-operation to be announced at the Second IBSA Summit.
78. The Ministers urged the early nomination of a representative from each IBSA country for the Maritime Liaison Committee in implementation of the Trilateral Agreement on Maritime Transport and other Related Matters signed during the First IBSA Summit. The Ministers welcomed the identification of eight broad areas of co-operation under this sector, including training, inland water transport, maritime regulatory functions, shipbuilding and repair capacity development, among others. The Ministers noted the need for co-operation on transport matters among IBSA countries in the WTO negotiation process.
79. The Ministers noted that improved air connectivity is crucial for promotion of trade and tourism among the three countries. While noting that the trilateral MoU was signed on 26 July 2005, which allows the designated airlines of the three countries to code-share with each other either as operating or marketing carrier, the Ministers urged expeditious action in this regard.
Culture
80. The Ministers welcomed the initiatives undertaken by the Working Group on Culture, which is an important sector, to enhance people-to-people contact.
81. The Ministers appreciated the offer of Brazil to host the First IBSA Music and Dance Festival in Salvador (Bahia) in October 2007 with the participation of troupes from India and South Africa. The Ministers also noted with appreciation the offer of India to invite participation by crafts persons from Brazil and South Africa in the SurajKund Crafts Fair in early February 2008.
82. The Ministers welcomed the commitment to enhance co-operation by concluding a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding to be proposed by South Africa, to identify projects including the timeframes, monitoring and their evaluation for signing during the Second IBSA Summit.
83. With a view to enhance cultural contacts among the three countries the Ministers agreed that an IBSA Cultural Event be held at every IBSA Summit.
Health
84. The Ministers urged the need for the Health Ministers to meet as soon as possible to approve the Plan of Action developed during the last meeting of the Working Group in Brazil in February 2006.
85. The Ministers welcomed the development of a Trilateral MoU in the field of Health and Medicine, to be signed during the Second IBSA Summit, which would be in implementation of the commitment by the Heads of State and Government for collaboration for research and development of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis diagnostic tools, drugs and vaccines during the First IBSA Summit.
Science and technology
86. The Ministers underscored the importance of science and technology co-operation and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved. They noted that concrete joint research projects in agreed areas of common interest would be undertaken. They further stressed the need for enhancing research and development collaboration. The Ministers noted the move towards creation of a seed fund of US$1 million in each country for collaborative activities. They also noted inclusion of a new area of Antarctic research in science and technology sector.
Social issues
87. The Ministers welcomed the preparation of an integrated IBSA Social Development Strategy which will build on the best practices of the three countries for serving as a blue print for South-South Co-operation. The Ministers noted that a Seminar in this regard will be held in South Africa in October 2007. They welcomed the commitment of the Working Group to work on a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Social Development, which may be signed during the forthcoming IBSA Summit.
Public administration
88. The Ministers noted that satisfactory progress has been made in the sector and that an MoU on co-operation in the field of Public Administration and Governance has been finalised for signing during the Second IBSA Summit.
Information society
89. The Ministers agreed that Information Society is one of the dynamic areas. The Ministers noted the successful launch of IBSA website (www.ibsa-trilateral.org) during the First IBSA Summit in September 2006 in Brazil and urged to upgrade the website to make it more user-friendly, in particular, for the working groups under IBSA. They also noted that the discussion documents on six identified areas have been exchanged. They urged that additional ways may be worked out for taking forward the sector by formulating working models and approaches to be translated into tangible projects and that the Working Group should meet before the next IBSA Summit.
90. The Ministers noted that Brazil will host the Second Internet Governance Forum (IGF), in Rio de Janeiro, from 12-15 November 2007, and expressed their willingness to engage in a constructive trilateral dialogue with a view of contributing to the IGF preparatory process.
Tourism
91. The Ministers noted with appreciation the offer of India to host a Workshop with participation of 30 tour operators each from Brazil and South Africa.
Defence
92. The Ministers agreed that there was significant potential in the sector and that the three countries should work together to enhance co-operation.
Intellectual property rights
93 The Ministers agreed for establishing an informal trilateral consultative mechanism for the exchange of information on IPR issues as agreed during the First IBSA Summit.
IBSA fund facility for alleviation of poverty and hunger
94. The Ministers took note of the functioning of the IBSA Fund Facility for Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger and decided that its functioning and modalities should be comprehensively reviewed and a report submitted within two months for consideration during the Second IBSA Summit. The review will include identification of criteria for selection of projects.
95. In this context, the Ministers also noted the proposals received for assistance from the Fund in respect of capacity building in Timor Leste and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Burundi. They instructed the focal points to examine the detailed proposals for these projects and make concrete recommendations. They agreed in principle that a team from the three countries may visit Burundi for a preliminary investigation.
96. The Ministers also noted with satisfaction that the IBSA Fund Facility had been conferred the South-South Partnership Award at the 2006 UN Day event held in New York on 19 December 2006.
New areas of co-operation
97. The Ministers took note of the proposal to set up two new Working Groups dealing respectively with climate change and environment, and human settlement development. They recognised the importance of these sectors and called upon the focal points to consult and revert with concrete recommendations.
Second IBSA Summit
98. India and Brazil welcomed the offer of South Africa to host the Second IBSA Summit in October 2007.
99. The Ministers agreed that the Fifth Trilateral Commission Meeting would be hosted by South Africa on mutually convenient dates in 2008.
100. The Ministers of South Africa and Brazil expressed their deep gratitude to the Minister of External Affairs of India for convening the Fourth Meeting of the IBSA Trilateral Commission in New Delhi.
Enquiries contact
Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 July 2007
