9th BRICS summit opens in China

The summit is an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Addressing the ceremony, President Xi asked member countries to put aside any differences they may have to enhance mutual trust and strategic communication, adding that the "construction of a tall building starts with a foundation. We have laid the foundation and put in place the framework for BRICS cooperation."

Besides, President Xi also called on BRICS countries to join forces in an increasingly multipolar world to meet the new technological revolution and challenges such as increasing protectionism, the scourge of terrorism and cyber security issues.

The BRICS is a grouping of five emerging economies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, South African President Jacob Zuma and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the summit.

China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand to the Xiamen BRICS summit as special guests, like India invited Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) leaders for the 2016 BRICS summit at Goa./.