Chinese premier calls for respecting diversity of civilizations
- Source: Xinhua
- [22:24 November 07 2009]
- Comments
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) stands with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa at the headquarters of the Arab League in downtown Cairo Nov. 7, 2009.
PROMOTING CHINA-ARAB COOPERATION
In his speech, Wen said China is ready to further enhance its friendly cooperation with the Arab world in various areas.
China and the Arab world both shoulder the sacred mission of renewing their centuries-old civilizations, Wen said. "Let us join hands and take the friendly cooperation between China and Arab countries to a new level."
Reviewing the history of China-Arab relations, the Chinese premier put forward a four-point proposal aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation:
First, China is committed to deepening political trust and strengthening strategic cooperation with Arab countries.
"It serves the fundamental interests of both sides to solidify political trust and intensify strategic cooperation," Wen said.
The establishment and development of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum has opened broad prospects for strengthened collective dialogue and coordination between the two sides, he said.
"We should work together to promote peace and stability, seek settlement of international disputes and regional conflicts through dialogue and consultation, oppose all forms of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and reject linking terrorism to any specific ethnic group or religion," Wen said.
China is ready to step up cooperation with Arab countries in addressing global challenges, including climate change, energy and non-traditional security threats, and promote the attainment of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, the Chinese premier said.
Wen also said the two sides should continue to support and cooperate with each other in major international and regional affairs, work together to safeguard the interests of developing countries and endeavor to build a just and reasonable new international order.
Second, China will continue to promote the Middle East peace process.
The stark reality shows that the "an eye for an eye" approach could only stoke deeper hatred, and peace could only be achieved by turning swords into ploughshares, Wen said.
"We highly appreciate the Arab Peace Initiative, which demonstrates to the whole world the sincere wish and strategic decision of Arab countries to peacefully resolve the Middle East issue," the Chinese premier said.
China is ready to step up consultation with Arab countries and other parties concerned and play a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Middle East issue in order to achieve peace, security and stability in the region, Wen added.
