IBSA leaders support a reformed UN

The second IBSA summit took place in Tshwane today

The Indian, Brazilian and South African (IBSA) leaders have called for restraint in Darfur, international support for Zimbabwe and United Nations (UN) reforms. The second IBSA summit took place in Tshwane today.

The UN has already recognised IBSA's contribution to fighting global poverty. “IBSA is a unique model of transnational cooperation. We share similar world views, and if we can make a success of it, it will serve as a model for all other developing countries,” Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh said.

IBSA has also taken a common position on the tough issue of UN reforms, and they all agree that the global trade talks are at make or break point. “There is a lot at stake… rich countries cannot strangle the poor nations. What we want is a balance…” said Brazilian president Lula da Silva.

At the trilateral level, an intra-IBSA trade target of US15 billion by 2010 has been set. The governments have signed several agreements, and various business deals have been sealed. The next IBSA summit will be held in India next year.

IBSA is seen as the link between Africa, Latin America and India, and if they pull off a free trade area, analysts predict it could shift global power in favour of developing nations.