Over the past two decades, BRICS has been growing with strong vigor and vitality and has become the most influential cooperation platform in today's world for emerging markets and developing countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

Xi made the remarks when delivering an important statement at Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.

Noting this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, Xi said BRICS countries, standing at the forefront of the Global South, have upheld independence, actively explored development paths suited to respective national conditions and set a fine example of emerging markets and developing countries seeking strength through unity.

He noted that BRICS countries have been forging ahead with an undaunted spirit. "Hand in hand we tackled the global financial crisis, COVID pandemic, climate change and other challenges, and we resolutely defended the common interests of the Global South, providing the world with stability and positive energy."

Xi hailed the 20 years of fruitful outcomes, adding that BRICS has realized a historic expansion and now has a comprehensive, multifaceted cooperation structure with ever-deepening cooperation in trade, investment, finance and technology, among others. 

"It has entered a new stage of high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation," said Xi.