Xi Jinping Meets with Delegation of the "Council of Elders"

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 1. President Xi Jinping met with the "Council of Elders" delegation in the Great Hall of the People on the 1st.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. The prospect of international cooperation, the way out of global challenges and the future of human society have aroused the thinking of more and more people of insight. We advocate that we should establish a sense of community of human destiny and build and take good care of the common home of mankind. All countries have a responsibility for the long-term future of mankind. China is a large developing country, but we do not evade our due international responsibilities. China seeks win-win cooperation and helps developing countries to seek common progress while achieving its own development. China has always pursued a correct concept of justice and benefit, and has given selfless help to African countries when it was still very poor. We put forward the "the belt and road initiative" cooperation initiative in order to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results with all countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the current impact of unilateralism has made many countries feel pressure and worry. However, the voice of the international community in support of multilateralism remains the dominant force. It is important to ensure that the existing multilateral process does not come to a halt and that the results already achieved are not reversed. China remains committed to the multilateral agenda of safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and strengthening international cooperation in addressing climate change. China has always been open to the reform of multilateral institutions, advocating that all countries should discuss it together, in accordance with recognized rules, take into account the reasonable concerns of all parties, and conform to the common interests of the vast majority of countries.

Xi Jinping stressed that China's "Belt and Road Initiative" initiative is an important contribution to multilateralism and international cooperation. Over the past five years, China and other countries have adhered to the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and sharing, explored cooperation ideas, innovated cooperation models, and enriched the practice of multilateralism under the new situation.

Xi Jinping stressed that relations between major powers are related to global strategic stability, and all major powers bear special responsibilities. China is committed to promoting coordination and cooperation among major powers and expects them to live in harmony, without conflict or confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. The U. S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. It is hoped that the United States and China will meet each other, manage differences, expand cooperation, and jointly develop Sino-US relations based on consultation, cooperation, and stability, so as to provide the world with more stability and predictability.

Xi Jinping stressed that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the the People's Republic of China. Adhering to the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the historical choice of the Chinese people. Over the past 70 years, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in continuous struggle and made great achievements in all aspects. At the same time, we insist on constantly improving our own development path and are making unremitting efforts to achieve the "two centenary" goals. China has done its own thing well, which is a contribution to the world.

Robinson, chairman of the Council of elders and former President of Ireland, Ban Ki-moon, vice chairman of the Council of elders, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, and former President Zedillo of Mexico spoke successively on behalf of the delegation of the Council of elders. They first congratulated the the People's Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding and China's great achievements in economic and social development, and spoke highly of China's environmental protection, poverty alleviation and ethnic work. They said that at a critical time when multilateralism is facing challenges, China is playing a responsible and constructive role. China has always adhered to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and actively helped Africa in its cause of peace and development. President Xi Jinping's series of important speeches on international occasions have sent positive messages to the international community. We must firmly uphold the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core, strengthen multilateral cooperation in areas such as international and regional security and climate change, and look forward to China's continued leadership.

Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.

The "Council of Elders" was established in July 2007 at the initiative of former South African President Mandela. It is composed of former politicians of various countries and former heads of important international organizations. Its purpose is to promote dialogue to resolve global issues such as conflict, poverty, and disease.

Source: Xinhua