Building consensus and seeking harmony in a world of diversity and pushing forward development through exchanges

Premier Wen Jiabao delivers an important speech on respecting diversity of civilizations and China-Arab relations at the headquarters of the League of Arab States (LAS)

China and the Arab world were friends in the past; we are friends today; and we will remain friends forever

On November 7, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited the Headquarters of the League of Arab States (LAS) in Cairo and delivered an important speech entitled Respect Diversity OF Civilizations. He emphasized that different civilizations should build consensus and seek harmony in a world of diversity and push forward development through exchanges. The Chinese government will unswervingly strengthen friendly cooperation with Arab countries for common development and make unremitting efforts for the building of a harmonious world.

China and Arab countries enjoy a time-honored friendship. Similar experiences and common pursuit of development have bonded us close together. Sharing weal and woe, we have tided over difficulties side by side and forged profound friendship. The Chinese people see the Arab people as good friends, good partners and good brothers.

Wen pointed out that there exist diverse civilizations in the world. Dialogue, exchanges and integration among different civilizations form the powerful current of human civilization, surging ahead ceaselessly. Both the Islamic and the Chinese civilizations are treasures of the human civilization and both have made indelible contributions to the progress and development of the human society. They have also promoted interactions between the Eastern and Western civilizations.

Civilizations can be different, but no civilization is superior to others. Each civilization embodies the common vision and common aspirations of mankind shaped in the course of development and progress. The Chinese civilization has long advocated the great ideas that "Harmony is most valuable," "Seek harmony in diversity" and "Do not do unto others what you would not have others do unto you." Similarly, the Islamic civilization values peace and calls for tolerance. We should build consensus and seek harmony in a world of diversity and push forward development through exchanges. This is the approach all mankind should embrace in advancing civilization.

Wen said China is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. It is the basic policy of the Chinese government to implement and improve the system of regional ethnic autonomy, ensure equality among all ethnic groups and speed up the economic and social development of minority ethnic groups and areas inhabited by these groups. It is also China’s policy to ensure freedom of religious belief and bring into play the positive role of religious personages and religious believers in promoting economic and social development.

Wen said in China, more than 20 million people from 10 ethnic groups believe in Islam. They are all important members of the big family of the Chinese nation, and their religious belief, cultural tradition and way of life are fully respected. Ethnic groups who believe in Islam have lived in amity with other ethnic groups and jointly promoted national development and social progress. China always gives a top priority to safeguarding national unity, ethnic solidarity and social stability.

Wen said since the founding of the People's Republic of China, China and Arab countries have always sympathized with and supported each other. The 21st century is the century of economic globalization. It is also one marked by great progress of diverse civilizations. China, with its 1.3 billion people, and the Arab world, with its several hundred million people, both shoulder the sacred mission of renewing our centuries-old civilizations. Looking back at the last 200 years, we have missed far too many opportunities. We have 100 reasons, even 1,000 reasons to strengthen cooperation and speed up development with renewed vigor and vitality, so that we can catch up with the changing times. We have no reason whatsoever to dither or hesitate. Both sides should join hands and take the friendly cooperation between China and Arab countries to a new level.

Wen raised the following suggestions:

First, consolidate political trust and strengthen strategic cooperation. The establishment and development of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum have opened broad prospects for strengthened collective dialogue and coordination between the two sides. 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. And we should jointly foster a safe and peaceful international environment. China is ready to step up cooperation with Arab countries to address global challenges, including climate change, energy and non-traditional security threats and promote the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals. We 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. We highly appreciate the Arab Peace Initiative. The fundamental way to resolve the Middle East issue is to replace confrontation with dialogue, promote reconciliation by increasing understanding, and stop the bloodshed and conflicts. 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 this part of the world.

Third, China will push forward economic cooperation and trade with Arab countries. In face of the international financial crisis, both sides should expand practical cooperation in economy and trade, energy, investment, finance, tourism and human resources training. The Chinese government encourages capable Chinese enterprises to make investment and set up businesses in Arab countries. China will, as always, provide humanitarian assistance to underdeveloped countries and help them expand capacity for self-development.

Fourth, China hopes to step up cultural exchanges and cooperation with Arab countries. The Chinese government encourages growing educational, cultural, tourism and other exchanges with Arab countries. Cultural exchanges will help deepen mutual understanding about each other's history and current conditions, strengthen the bond of friendship and build strong public support for our friendship.

Wen finally said the Chinese nation values friendship and keeps its word. China and the Arab world were friends in the past; we are friends today; and we will remain friends forever. The Chinese people will always be the trusted brothers of the Arab people. Let us work together to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

Over 400 people including Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS) Amr Moussa, representatives from 22 LAS nations, senior officials from the LAS Secretariat and councils, foreign diplomatic envoys in Egypt, as well as Egyptian celebrities from various circles attended the meeting.