Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and?The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Beijing, January 16, 20251.At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from January 14 to 17, 2025.2.During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka held talks with President Xi Jinping, and met with H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views and reached extensive common understandings on deepening traditional friendship and advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and multi-sectoral practical cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and on regional and international issues of mutual interest.3. The two sides share the view that China and Sri Lanka have consistently respected each other, treated each other as equals and stood by each other over the 68 years of diplomatic ties, and set a fine example of friendly interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. The two sides agreed to carry forward the spirit of independence, self-reliance, solidarity and mutual assistance enshrined in the Rubber-Rice Pact, follow the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support, win-win cooperation and common development, stay committed to deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategiccooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples.4. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of close high-level exchanges to keep the strong strategic guidance by the leaders of the two countries over bilateral relations, to further strengthen bilateral exchanges between the two governments, legislative bodies and political parties to consolidate political mutual trust and share and learn from each other's governance and development experience, and make dedicated efforts to enhance China-Sri Lanka relations.5. Both sides reaffirmed mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. Both sides reaffirm the authority of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and Sri Lanka reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Sri Lanka firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and opposes “Taiwan independence” in any form. Sri Lanka reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang and Xinjiang. China reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.6. China congratulated Sri Lanka on successfully holding presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, expressed its good wishes for the new Sri Lankan government to take the Sri Lankan people forward in economic and social development, unity, stability and prosperity, and conveyed its readiness to provide active support as the Sri Lankan government works to promote the sustainable development of the country. Sri Lanka commended the remarkable achievements China made in the new era, and expressed support for China to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization. Sri Lanka believes that China's drive to further deepen reform comprehensively and promote high-standard opening up will bring new opportunities for Sri Lanka's economic advancement.7. Under the guidance and encouragement of leaders of both countries, China and Sri Lanka have produced fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation. Sri Lanka appreciates the important role of Belt and Road cooperation in its economic and social development and the livelihood of its people. The two sides agreed to advance all major signature projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port integrated development, fully utilize such platforms as the Silk Road Workshop and carry out more livelihood programs in Sri Lanka in accordance with the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, open, green and clean cooperation, and high-standard, people-centered and sustainable development and following the eight major steps announced by President Xi Jinping for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two sides were pleased to sign a Belt and Road cooperation plan to upgrade China-Sri Lanka high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and jointly open up new space for win-win development of higher standard, stronger resilience and greater sustainability.8. Sri Lanka expressed its high appreciation for the valuable support it has received from China in times of financial difficulties, including the vital assistance in restructuring China-related debts, which was a robust support for Sri Lanka in effectively dealing with the debt issue. Sri Lanka expressed its desire for the early implementation of the agreed debt restructuring plan together with Chinese financial institutions. China will continue to play a positive role in the International Monetary Fund and maintain friendly communication with other creditors to help Sri Lanka ease its financial difficulties and achieve debt sustainability. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the People's Bank of China have renewed their currency swap agreement and will continue to carry out financial cooperation.9. The two sides are satisfied with the progress of bilateral cooperation in economy and trade. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its effort to promote import from Sri Lanka through various means. China expressed its readiness to continue supporting Sri Lankan enterprises in the tea, gem and other industries in establishing ties with relevant Chinese associations of importers and exporters, facilitate Sri Lanka’s participation in expos such as the China International Import Expo, China Import and Export Fair, China-South Asia Exposition and e-commerce platforms, and further enhance cooperation between enterprises of the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The two sides agreed to work toward the early conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.Sri Lanka welcomes more business investment from China and will provide a conducive investment and business environment for this purpose. China will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises in investing in Sri Lanka to facilitate economic transformation and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in such fields as logistics, green development, and digital economy to propel their high-quality and mutually beneficial practical cooperation.10. The two sides shared positive evaluations of their wide-ranging cooperation and in-depth exchanges on agriculture. China conveyed its readiness to carry out training and demonstration programs with Sri Lanka in areas including bio-technologies for tropical crops, plant breeding and cultivation, and aquaculture to help Sri Lanka enhance its capacity for sustainable agricultural development; and welcome Sri Lanka to further expand its export of distinctive products to China, including tea, fruits, cinnamon, and aquatic products. The two sides shared the readiness to expand exchanges and cooperation with a sharper focus on poverty reduction and rural revitalization. China expressed its readiness to help Sri Lanka strengthen the capacity of personnel in related fields.11. Both sides recognize climate change as one of the greatest challenges of human society and a threat to the sustainable development of developing countries including China and Sri Lanka. They agreed to work actively together on climate change. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation to China for its humanitarian relief in the wake of severe flooding. China expressed its readiness to enhance cooperation with Sri Lanka in such fields as disaster prevention and mitigation and emergency rescue, share its technologies and provide training in improving Sri Lanka's emergency management capabilities. China welcomes Sri Lanka's participation in the relevant activities of the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition and other platforms as part of the joint effort to realize the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.12. The two sides share the desire to continue maritime cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual trust, openness and mutual benefit, and hold regular bilateral consultations on maritime affairs. The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation in such fields as conservation and restoration of the marine environment and ecosystems, maritime domain awareness, maritime rescue and disaster relief, and maritime personnel training and capacity building, and pool their strength to build a maritime community with a shared future. The two sides agreed to sign Memorandum of Understanding on Ocean Cooperation toward Blue Partnership.13. The two sides are ready to deepen cooperation on education. The two sides fully recognized the importance of education exchanges for increasing understanding and friendship, and expressed readiness to further enhance exchanges of teachers, students, and researchers. China welcomes and encourages more committed students from Sri Lanka to pursue further studies in China, and is ready to continue to support them with government scholarships. China will work with Sri Lanka to implement the Luban Workshop to good effect and nurture more professionals through vocational and technical training for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka appreciates China's assistance in education, and will work for the success of the digital classroom project together with China. The two sides are ready to promote Chinese language education in Sri Lanka and continue to work through the China Culture Center in Sri Lanka to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides will continue to work in and develop the China-Sri Lanka Joint Center for Education and Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation and education in the universities and research institutes of the two countries.14. The two sides are ready to carry forward their long-standing friendship and bring their peoples closer together. The two sides will take multiple measures to encourage mutual tourist travel and aviation connectivity. China welcomes more Sri Lankan cities in the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities. The two sides will continue to support each other in holding tourism promotion activities in China and Sri Lanka.15. The two sides are ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as youth, think tanks, sports, and the media, build on the bond of Buddhist exchanges, and deepen people-to-people and sister-city exchanges.16. China will continue to extend support for the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka. China's Yunnan Province will continue to send medical teams to Sri Lanka to carry out the Brightness Action program.17. The Chinese side commends Sri Lanka's positive response to President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sri Lanka's participation in the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia. China will further promote bilateral cultural heritage cooperation with Sri Lanka under the Alliance.18. The two sides recognize judicial, law enforcement and security cooperation as an important component of bilateral cooperation, and stand ready to jointly crack down on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling. China is ready to do its best to support capacity building in Sri Lanka's judicial, law enforcement and security areas and provide assistance of police supplies.19. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and actively participating in the development of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which was just after the end of the Second World War. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to jointly upholding the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. The two sides will adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and work toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for all countries in the world.20. During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents, in the areas of agriculture, tourism, livelihood assistance, the media and other areas.21. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Sri Lankan delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Sri Lanka. The Chinese leadership expressed appreciation for the kind invitation, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication via diplomatic channels.
Xi Jinping Has a Phone Call with President of the European Council Antonio Costa
On the afternoon of January 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President of the European Council Antonio Costa at the latter's request.Xi Jinping extended congratulations once again to Antonio Costa on his assuming office as President of the European Council, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), an important milestone building on past achievements and charting the future. The development history of China-EU relations demonstrates that as long as the two sides uphold mutual respect, treat each other as equals and engage in candid dialogue, they can advance cooperation and accomplish great things. Like-mindedness makes for partnership, and seeking common ground while respecting differences also defines partnership. The key lies in respecting the social systems and development paths chosen by each other's people, as well as each other's core interests and major concerns. China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world, and firmly supported European integration and the EU's pursuit of strategic autonomy. Both sides should summarize the experience of the development of China-EU relations, draw important lessons, jointly safeguard the political foundation of China-EU relations, and promote the positive and forward development of China-EU relations, so as to bring greater benefits to the peoples of China and Europe and contribute more stability and certainty to an increasingly turbulent international landscape.Xi Jinping stressed that there is no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU; both sides are partners that can contribute to each other's success. Over the past 50 years, China-EU relations have not only contributed to their respective development but also made significant contributions to global peace and prosperity. The more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more China and the EU should adhere to the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, and uphold the positioning of partnership. China remains confident in the EU and hopes the EU will also prove to be a trustworthy cooperation partner for China. The economic and trade cooperation between China and the EU is mutually complementary and beneficial, with both sides serving as defenders of the multilateral trading system. The two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship. Noting that China remains committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening up, Xi Jinping said that it will bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation. The two sides should expand mutual openness, consolidate existing cooperation mechanisms, and foster new growth areas in their cooperation. Both sides should also ensure the success of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions, encourage mutual visits between their people, and support local exchanges and educational cooperation, so as to strengthen the foundation of public support for China-EU friendship.Antonio Costa said that 2025 marks an important year for EU-China relations. The EU side is willing to work with the Chinese side to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, enhance dialogue and communication, increase strategic mutual trust, strengthen the partnership, and open up a better future for the development of EU-China relations. The EU side is ready to properly handle economic and trade differences with the Chinese side through dialogue and consultation. Both the EU and China respect the principles of the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and oppose bloc confrontation, and the two sides should cooperate rather than compete. In this era full of challenges, the world needs closer EU-China cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, and jointly make positive contributions to world peace, stability and development.The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine issue, among others, with Xi Jinping elaborating on China's principled position of promoting peace talks.
Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell
On the morning of January 13, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is in China for an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Dickon Mitchell expressed deep condolences to the Chinese government and people for the earthquake in Ding-ri County, Xizang. Xi Jinping expressed his appreciation for that. Noting that this earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area in southwest China, Xi Jinping said China had completed rescue and temporary resettlement as soon as possible and will carry out reconstruction as fast as possible. The Chinese government is confident in and well-placed for a successful response to the earthquake.Xi Jinping noted that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with the two sides treating each other with mutual respect and equality, constantly consolidating political mutual trust, achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, and increasingly deepening the friendship between the two peoples. China is ready to work with Grenada to forge stronger synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, and make China-Grenada cooperation more fruitful and beneficial for the peoples of the two countries.?Xi Jinping stressed that maintaining and developing China-Grenada relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. Both sides should summarize the successful experience in the development of bilateral relations over the past 20 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations and draw a new blueprint for the long-term, high-level development of China-Grenada relations. China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path that suits its national conditions and is ready to strengthen the exchange of governance experience with Grenada and enhance friendly exchanges in various fields. China's development will bring new opportunities for development to Grenada and other countries. China is ready to assist Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation, and create new highlights in bilateral cooperation in such fields as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and the digital economy. China supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity for climate change response and disaster preparedness and relief, and is willing to continue encouraging the international community to pay attention to the concerns and demands of small island countries on climate change. Both sides should also increase personnel exchanges, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education and tourism, and further bring the two peoples closer. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and is ready to work with Grenada to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.Xi Jinping pointed out that China always attaches great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and is ready to continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of countries in the region and deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two sides.Dickon Mitchell thanked China for its timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a devastating hurricane in July last year. Dickon Mitchell said that Grenada-China relations have deepened continuously over the past 20 years. The Grenadian side firmly abides by the one-China principle, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Grenada has benefited a lot from its relations with China and looks forward to continuously strengthening cooperation with China. The Communist Party of China applies a people-centered development philosophy and has led China to make great development achievements, setting a good example for other developing countries. Grenada is willing to learn from China's experience in state governance. As the forerunner of the Global South, China consistently upholds the equality of all countries, big or small, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and matches its words with deeds in international affairs, playing an increasingly important role. Grenada is willing to stand firmly with China in implementing the three global initiatives and safeguarding world peace and stability.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
Xi?Jinping and His Wife?Peng Liyuan?Send?New Year Card in Return to Representatives of High School Teachers and Students in the U.S. State of Washington
On January 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping and his wife?Peng Liyuan sent a New Year card in return to representatives of high school teachers and students in the U.S. State of Washington, extending their New Year wishes and saying that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese?Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During the Second World War, China and the United States fought together for peace and justice, and the friendship between the two peoples stood the test of blood and fire and is growing ever stronger. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan expressed their?hope that the?youth?of China and the United States will continue to actively participate in the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on?exchange and study?programs?in the next five years, strengthen exchanges and interactions, enhance mutual understanding, carry forward traditional friendship, and contribute to the development of China-U.S. relations and world peace.Earlier, representatives of teachers and students from the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association, Lincoln High School and Stadium High School, all in the U.S. State of Washington, who had participated in the "50,000 in five years" initiative to visit China, sent a New Year card to President Xi Jinping and his wife and all Chinese people. More than 100 teachers and students signed the card. Teachers and students wrote in Chinese on the card: "Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese?Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War. Embracing the New Year, long live peace, and may China-U.S. friendship last forever!"
Full text of President Xi Jinping's 2025 New Year message
On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the full text of the message：Greetings to everybody! Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing.In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had.We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with its GDP for the year expected to pass the 130 trillion yuan mark. Grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, and China's bowls are now filled with more Chinese grain. Coordinated development across regions has gained stronger momentum, and mutually reinforcing advances have been made in both new urbanization and rural revitalization. Green and low-carbon development has been further enhanced. Indeed, a more beautiful China is unfolding before us.We have fostered new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions. New business sectors, forms and models have kept emerging. For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent. All this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans.This year, I have visited many places across the country and seen how our people enjoy their enriching lives. I saw the big, red Huaniu apples in Tianshui, Gansu and the fishing boats in Aojiao Village, Fujian loaded with their catches. I watched the millenium-old "Eastern Smile" in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, and I learned more about good-neighborliness passed from generation to generation in Liuchixiang Alley. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle in Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street, and I saw how the people in Yinchuan's mixed-ethnic residential communities live together as one family. The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education and medical services are always on my mind. This year, basic pension has been raised, and mortgage rates have dropped. Cross-province direct settlement of medical bills has been expanded, making it easier for people to seek medical treatment across the country. And consumer goods trade-in programs have improved people's lives... All these are real benefits to our people.In the Paris Olympics, Chinese athletes raced to the top and achieved their best performance in Olympic Games held overseas, fully demonstrating the vigor and confidence of young Chinese. The PLA Navy and Air Force celebrated their 75th birthdays, and our servicemen and women are full of drive. When floods, typhoons and other natural disasters struck, members of the Communist Party of China and officials stepped forward to lead disaster relief efforts, and our people were of one mind and reached out to each other. People in all fields -- workers, builders and entrepreneurs, among others -- are working hard to fulfill their dreams. I presented awards to recipients of national medals and honorary titles. The honor belongs to them; it also belongs to every hard-working person who has lived up to their responsibilities.In a world of both transformation and turbulence, China, as a responsible major country, is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. We are making deeper and more substantive advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a full success. We put forward China's vision at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC, G20 and other bilateral and multilateral forums. We have contributed greatly to the maintenance of world peace and stability.We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. With deep affection, we looked back at the sea change that has taken place across China since the birth of the People's Republic. Nurtured by our 5,000-plus years of continuous civilization, our country, China, is engraved not only on the bottom of the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun, but also in the heart of every Chinese. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform. We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times. We will surely embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up.In 2025, we will fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will implement more proactive and effective policies, pursue high-quality development as a top priority, promote greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development. The Chinese economy now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones. But we can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident.Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people's aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts.On the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, I visited the city again, and I was gratified to see the new progress and changes there. We will unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times.As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world.Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines.Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace!?
2024 Imperial Springs International Forum Successfully Concludes
On December 11 and 12, the 2024 Imperial Springs International Forum was held in Madrid, Spain. Co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, the forum centered on the theme?"Collective Action for One Future". President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the opening ceremony, read out President Xi’s congratulatory letter, and delivered a speech. Yang Wanming, President of the CPAFFC, Danilo Türk, President of World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid?and former President of Slovenia (2007-2012), Diego Martínez Belío, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs?of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?of Spain, Esther Gil de Rebole?o, Third Vice-President of Spain's Congress of Deputies, Wang Xi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)?Guangdong Provincial Committee, and Chairman of the Guangdong Overseas Friendship Association, and Chau Chak Wing, President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. Former political dignitaries from 40 countries, former heads of international organizations, and nearly 100 well-known Chinese and foreign experts, scholars, and businesspeople?attended the forum.At the forum's opening ceremony,?Hu Chunhua emphasized that President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter highlighted the forum's crucial role over the past decade in enhancing global exchanges and understanding.?The letter, he noted, serves as a guide for leveraging the forum as a platform to foster international consensus and advance the?building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Hu underlined that amidst unprecedented changes in the global landscape, China remains a steadfast force for peace, stability,?and progress. He reiterated China's commitment to?advancing high-standard opening up and encouraged international visionaries to actively engage with the forum, deepen friendship, boost cooperation, and jointly contribute insights and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.Yang Wanming stated that President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter underscores?the significant importance?China places?on the forum. It provides essential guidance for promoting global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation. Hosting the forum in Europe for the first time symbolizes?China and the EU's joint commitment to upholding?multilateralism. Yang called for concrete actions to?strengthen solidarity and cooperation, work together to address global challenges, defend and practice true multilateralism, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind in the spirit of "shared responsibility as dwellers of the same planet", and contribute to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.Danilo Türk?remarked?that President Xi's letter demonstrates?China's strong commitment to advancing international cooperation and practicing multilateralism. Amid challenging global circumstances, he called for the?forum to?shift its focus from challenges to actionable?vision, transforming ideas into guides for future progress.?He noted that China's unwavering?commitment to broader openness and its high-quality economic development present valuable opportunities for addressing major global issues. Diego Martínez Belío?stated that Madrid's selection as the forum's venue reflects the close cooperation between Spain and China, as well as between the EU and China.?He expressed optimism that the forum would?further?strengthen?EU-China and Spain-China relations. Faced with both traditional and non-traditional security threats, he called for addressing these challenges through cooperation rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. He emphasized the need for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, urging participants to discard biases and bolster dialogue and cooperation to address the pressing issues of global development. Esther Gil de Rebole?o?highlighted the forum's focus on?global governance as a response to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She underscored the importance of tackling issues like climate change and other issues of common concern to the international community,?encouraging participants to contribute actionable proposals that reflect a commitment to future generations.Chau Chak Wing?expressed?that President Xi's congratulatory letter was a resounding endorsement of the forum's work?over the past 10 years. He described it as both inspiring and motivating, committing to?expanding the influence of the forum to strengthen international cooperation and contribute to global progress.During the plenary discussion of the forum, which focused on?the?theme "Enhancing Global Cooperation: Shaping a Shared Future for Humankind", several distinguished speakers delivered insightful remarks. These included?Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile?(2006-2010, 2014-2018)?and Vice President of the Club de Madrid;?Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister of Senegal (2013-2014); Ismail Serageldin, former Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000)?and Co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center?(NGIC); and Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China. They explored the practical importance of strengthening global solidarity and cooperation while advocating for the building a community with a shared future for mankind, offering diverse perspectives on this vital goal.?At the six parallel sessions, Chinese and international participants engaged in robust discussions on a variety of pressing global issues. The topics included: Traditional and Non-traditional Challenges to Global Security; Tackling Challenges Facing the World Economy; United Nations Summit of the Future, the Future of Global Governance; Al & Green Technology for Progress and Development; Sustainable Development and the Second World Social Summit; and People-to-People Exchanges for Mutual Understanding. These sessions provided a platform for valuable recommendations and resulted in broad consensus on actionable pathways to address these global challenges effectively.?In his concluding remarks at the forum's closing ceremony, Yang Wanming?highlighted the in-depth exchanges and productive discussions that took place during the forum.?Focusing on the theme "Collective Action for One Future", participants engaged in in-depth?exchanges and discussions, and shared insights from diverse perspectives, including global security, economy, finance, trade, digital economy, and?ecological governance. All parties agreed that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change.?Countries should continue to build up common understandings, carry forward partnerships, abide bythe basic norms governing international relations as underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the international order based on international law, seize opportunities and meet challenges together?through solidarity and cooperation, and pool strength for the joint building of a community with a shared future for mankind.?At the forum's dinner,?CPAFFC Vice President Shen Xin?reflected on the?association's seven decades of commitment?to?friendship,?cooperation, peace,?and development. He emphasized the original mission?behind co-hosting the Imperial Springs International Forum:?to serve as a platform for fairness,?justice,?mutual beneficial cooperation, inclusiveness,?and mutual learning. Shen expressed hope for deepening collaboration with all co-hosts to contribute more effectively to global peace,?stability, sustainable development, and?the advancement of human civilization.?On December 13, King Felipe VI of Spain hosted?Chinese and international guests at the royal?palace. The King welcomed Hu Chunhua?and his?delegation,?commending the forum's vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering international cooperation.
2024 Imperial Springs International Forum Opens in Madrid: Hu Chunhua Attends Opening Ceremony
MADRID, Dec. 13 (Xinhua/Hu Jiaqi, Zhang Zhaoqing) – The 2024 Imperial Springs International Forum opened on December 12 in Madrid, Spain. Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the opening ceremony, delivered a speech, and?read a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping.Hu Chunhua noted?that President Xi's letter underscored the?forum's vital role?in fostering exchanges and mutual?understanding between China and world?over the past decade, while also charting a path for further collaboration to?build a community with a shared future for mankind.He emphasized that amid rapid and unprecedented global changes,?China remains a steadfast?advocate for peace, stability,?and progress, committed to?advancing high-standard opening up. He welcomed more international visionaries to actively engage with?the forum, deepen friendship, boost cooperation, and contribute insights and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.During his stay in Spain, Hu Chunhua also attended a group meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain and held a meeting with Javier Maroto, First Vice President of the Senate of Spain, and others.
