Obama's statement implies recognition of emerging countries: Brazilian FM

Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said on Thursday that U.S. President Barack Obama's statement saying the rise of emerging countries does not threaten the leadership of richer countries implies "recognition, albeit indirect" of their growing importance.

At a press conference with visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez, Patriota said "It is interesting that President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron feel obliged to explain that there are other actors such as China, India and Brazil on the international arena, which play an important role in finding solutions for global challenges."

The U.S. president said during a visit to Britain that "countries like China, India and Brazil are growing by leaps and bounds," but these countries do not jolt the leadership of the United States and Europe. "The time for our leadership is now," Obama said.

Asked about the role of emerging countries in choosing the new managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Patriota said a choice should be based on merit and not on the nationality of candidates.

"We are committed to seeking a consensus that prepares the IMF to act in a balanced and more attuned way in relation to contemporary challenges," he said.

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