ANKARA

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged BRICS countries Sunday to strive to become the vanguard in advancing the reform of global governance by upholding "independence and self-reliance" and focusing on development and economic growth, state media reported.

Addressing the plenary session of "Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance" of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he called on the economic bloc to safeguard world peace and tranquility and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, said Xinhua News Agency.

Leaders of BRICS countries attended the meeting, which was presided over by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Li said that at present, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerated pace, international rules and order are being severely challenged, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral institutions continue to wane.

The leaders of countries participating in the meeting said that in an increasingly turbulent world where unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, BRICS countries should enhance solidarity and coordination, defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold and practice multilateralism and make greater contribution to promoting common development, improving global governance, and fostering lasting peace and prosperity in the world, the report said.

Li said that as the leading force of the Global South, BRICS countries should "uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrate a sense of responsibility and play a greater role in building consensus and synergies"

He called on the bloc to "hold fast to morality and justice and seek fundamental solutions based on the merits of each issue.”

BRICS countries should also focus on development and bolster the drivers of economic growth, he said, adding they should actively spearhead development cooperation and tap into the growth potential of emerging sectors.

China stands ready to join hands with other BRICS countries to promote global governance in a "more just, equitable, efficient and orderly direction, working collectively to build a better world," Li said.

Later, the meeting adopted the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of the 17th BRICS Summit.