Pakistan terrorism not to be discussed at BRICS: China

Beijing Aug 31 (IANS) China on Thursday said India s concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan will not be discussed at the BRICS Summit next week.

Like in earlier occasions China defended its "iron friend" Pakistan hailing its efforts in countering terrorism.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Islamabad was at the "forefront" of counter terror efforts and had made "sacrifices" for the cause.

"The international community should recognise the contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan " Hua said at a press briefing.

"We notice that India when it comes to Pakistan s counter-terrorism has some concerns. I don t think this is an appropriate topic to be discussed at BRICS Summit " she said

The three-day annual meet of the five-member grouping (Brazil Russia India China and South Africa) will begin at the Chinese city Xiamen from Sunday.

"China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance our cooperation in counterterrorism. This serves the common interest of all parties."

Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is one the contentious issues between India and China.

Beijing has repeatedly blocked New Delhi s resolution at the UN to declare Pakistan s terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Last year at the BRICS Summit in India China did not back India s attempts to have names of terror groups like JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) included in the BRICS Declaration.

--IANS
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