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New Delhi Ministerial Communiqué 2007 of India-Brazil-South
Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum 1. The Minister of External Affairs of
India, H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the Minister of External Relations of Brazil,
H.E. Mr. Celso Amorim, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, H.E.
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 coordination 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 cooperation 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
emphasized 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 Membership,
the Ministers emphasized 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 Organizational
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 liberalize
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 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 emphasized 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 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 cooperation in fighting climate change, especially in the areas
of adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building and the development of the
carbon market. This cooperation 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. Any new cooperative
effort to tackle climate change should not undermine the UNFCCC and its Kyoto
Protocol, but rather complement these instruments. 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 coordination
regarding cross-cutting issues such as poverty eradication, climate change, energy
security and South-South cooperation. 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 realization of the Biofuels International Conference to be held in
Brazil, in July 2008, to discuss how to enhance international cooperation 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 cooperation 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 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 CDM proceeds
should be mobilized. 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 WIPO". The Ministers also emphasized 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 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 cooperation and coordination in fostering
activities related to South-South cooperation, with emphasis on multilateral negotiations,
in particular for ensuring timely, and successful conclusion of the IR on ABS.
SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION 32. The Ministers reaffirmed the role
of South-South cooperation 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 recognized that South-South cooperation has created a
stronger collective voice for the countries of the South in the international
arena. South-South cooperation 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 cooperation, the Ministers resolved to enhance their policy coordination
and high-level dialogue on the common challenges faced by developing countries,
such as MDGs and international development cooperation, financing for development,
market access in the global trading system, fighting environmental degradation
and infectious diseases. The Ministers further agreed to enhance South-South cooperation
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 cooperation. The
Ministers reaffirmed that South-South cooperation is complementary to and not
a substitute for North-South cooperation. 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 fulfill 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, draught 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 universalization 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 cooperation 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 cooperation. 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
cooperation and mutual understanding in the functioning of the international human
rights machinery. The Ministers remain committed to continue actively participating
in a coordinated 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 emphasized
the need for concerted and coordinated action by the international community to
realize 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
finalizing early the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and called
upon all states to cooperate in resolving the outstanding issues with the objectives
of an expeditious conclusion of negotiations and adoption of this Convention.
46. The Ministers emphasized that international cooperation 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 realization of that goal. The Ministers emphasized 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 emphasized
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 universalization 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 cooperative 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 emphasized the need for national efforts to be supplemented by enhanced
international and regional cooperation 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 June 5-7, 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 cooperation 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 cooperation among their countries at the 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 cooperation.
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 emphasized 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 cooperation in the peaceful
uses of nuclear energy under appropriate IAEA safeguards. The Ministers further
agreed that international civilian nuclear cooperation, 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
COOPERATION THE NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT (NEPAD) 56.
The Ministers recognized 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 recognized the efforts made by the African
Union to harmonise the regional economic communities and the closer harmonization
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,
recognizing it as a major achievement in the process of strengthening the political
coordination 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 recognized 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 emphasized 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 cooperation was crucial to Afghanistan's
future and in that context hailed the emergence of Afghanistan as SAARC's 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 cooperate in the peace process to finalize 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 stabilization 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 COOPERATION 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-1 July 2007
wherein five areas of cooperation 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) 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 & INVESTMENT 73.
The Ministers also welcomed the Seminar on Technical Regulations and Standards,
organized 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 organizing 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 cooperation 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 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 cooperation 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 cooperation under this sector, including training, inland water
transport, maritime regulatory functions, shipbuilding and repair capacity development,
among others. The Ministers noted the need for cooperation 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 cooperation 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 & Technology cooperation
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 Cooperation. 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 cooperation
in the field of Public Administration and Governance has been finalized 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 cooperation. 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
COOPERATION 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 Department
of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 17 July 2007
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