Opening Media Remarks by President Jacob Zuma on the occasion of the Informal meeting of BRICS Leaders on the margins of the G20 Summit in Antalya
Your Excellencies
President Putin;
Prime Minister Modi;
President Xi;
President Rousseff;
Honourable Ministers
Members of the media
I welcome this opportunity to once again interact with my fellow BRICS Leaders.
Let me begin by reiterating our heartfelt condolences to President Putin and the Russian people on the tragic loss of life resulting from the plane that crashed in Sinai, Egypt.
We also join the world in strongly condemning the tragic and callous terror attacks in Paris. We stand with President Hollande and the French people during this trying period.
While condemning the senseless attacks, we also wish to caution against linking the terrorist attacks to the refugee crisis in Europe.
Refugees flocking to Europe in search of peace and a better life must not be labelled and ostracised as a result of this attack.
The attacks do not mean that every refugee is a terrorist.
Addressing the root causes of terrorism is critical in order to find lasting solutions. In this regard, collective global action against all forms of terrorism is imperative. This must be done under the auspices of the United Nations.
We are pleased that we will discuss terrorism and security matters further today in the G20 in the quest for lasting solutions.
Colleagues,
The G20 meeting here in Antalya provides an opportunity to tackle issues related to inclusive growth and to respond to the current economic crisis.
As BRICS we must respond innovatively to the global economic, political and social challenges arising from the economic crisis.
We welcome the coming into operation of BRICS financial institutions, notably the New Development Bank and its African Regional Centre as well as the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
We remain committed to ensuring that the doors of the Bank are open for business in 2016 in order to disburse funding for its first projects.
I thank you.
