India, Brazil, S Africa for economic co-operation

In a historic trilateral meet, foreign ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa on Friday signed the Brasilia Declaration that not only seeks to enhance economic co-operation between the three countries, but also lends a platform for these three ‘‘vibrant democracies’’ to speak in one voice at international forums.

An MEA spokesperson said it was the first time three major countries this size have come together to voice jointly the demands and concerns of the South. ‘‘It is important to clarify that the approach is not of confrontation with any group of countries, but an initiative to promote cooperation among South-South countries,’’ he said.

The agreement was signed between Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha and his counterparts, Nkozama Dlamini Zuma of South Africa and Celso Amorim from Brazil.

Agriculture, defence, aeronautics, IT, biotechnology and civil aviation were some key areas identified for co-operation. India proposed the setting up of a food bank to combat hunger and famine in the world. This was later included in the declaration as a food assistance programme.