KYOTO (Japan), Aug 31: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that major emerging nations should play a greater role in global governance, amid a French call to expand the Group of Eight.

“It is natural to think that any talks on resolving global challenges require involvement of countries such as China and India -- each of which has more than one billion people,” Merkel said at the end of a tour of China and Japan.

Merkel invited Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa to the last summit of the Group of Eight industrial nations held in Germany in June to discuss issues, such as climate change, trade and poverty relief.

“These countries, amid their rapid economic growth, have begun to pay attention to their national interests and are hoping to exert their influence,” Merkel said on a visit to Kyoto marking 10 years since the landmark treaty on the environment was reached here.

“At the same time, they now share responsibility for the common challenges we face,” she said.

Merkel cited her efforts when in China to persuade Beijing to better respect international property rights.

“Involving emerging countries in talks on these issues is an urgent challenge for us,” she said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for the G8 to become a G13 to bring in Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.

Japan next year takes over the presidency of the G8, which comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

Beijing responded positively on Friday to the call by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to expand the Group of Eight industrialised nations to include China and other developing nations.

“As a coordinating mechanism for developed nations, the G8 has played an important role in the world’s political and economic affairs,” a brief statement issued by the foreign ministry said.

“As a developing country, China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the G8 and work together to establish a new win-win North-South development partnership based on equality and mutual benefit.” The ministry was responding to statements made by the 52-year-old French leader in his first major speech Monday to expand the G8 to a G13, bringing in Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.—AFP