The foreign ministers of China, Russia, India and Brazil (BRIC) met in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on Friday and agreed on further development of cooperation.

The four countries play vital roles in maintaining world peace and facilitating mutual development, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said. "We think that BRIC cooperation is important."

Yang affirmed the dynamic development of the BRIC economies, saying "larger cooperation between the states will be beneficial for international stability."

The Chinese top diplomat called the international communities to make joint efforts to ensure food security, noting that China has been 95 percent self-sufficient in food production, with its annual imports of food accounting for only 2 percent of the world food trade volume.

As to the issue of climate change, Yang said it is key to fulfill the Bali Roadmap and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

Yang also elaborated China's stances on disarmament, anti-terrorism, anti-drug and UN reform.

Consultations also centered on the rule of law in international relations, counteraction to challenges to global security, as well as issues in the world economy. Russia, India and Brazil reiterated their support to the Beijing Olympic Games.

The four foreign minister published a joint statement and held a joint press conference after the meeting. The next independent meeting of the four states will be held in India in 2009.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2008)