The Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, Han Zheng, has called for greater understanding and respect among different cultures and civilisations worldwide to foster peaceful relations.

The vice-president stated this on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 4th Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations.

The three-day event titled, “Carrying Forward the Spirit of the Silk Road and Gathering Momentum for the Implementation of the Global Civilisation Initiative.’’.

The event was hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and the People’s Government of Gansu Province.

He emphasised the significance of respect among civilisations as the cornerstone for constructing a harmonious and collaborative world.

Ms Zheng said, “It is solely through sincere dialogue, mutual education, and respect that humanity can effectively tackle the challenges of today, ranging from climate adjustments to worldwide health dilemmas.’’

He highlighted the need to move beyond differences and promote a spirit of inclusiveness, emphasising that each civilisation has unique contributions to offer.

The Chinese VP implored nations to approach each other with receptivity and to search for common ground in the pursuit of shared prosperity.

Mr Zheng lauded Dunhuang as a haven for diverse religions and cultures, a central point along the historic Silk Road.

He observed that the enduring principles of peace, collaboration, and reciprocal advantage depicted by the Silk Road served as a framework for intercultural interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds.

“To advance the spirit of these principles and implement the Global Civilisation Initiative, this dialogue is of great practical importance,” Mr Zheng

He referenced President Xi Jinping’s vision from March 2023, which advocated respect for the diversity of world civilisations and the promotion of shared human values.

Additionally, Mr Zheng introduced four fundamental notions to advance civilisational dialogue.

Firstly, he emphasised the need for mutual respect and recognition, asserting that each civilisation was unique and valuable.

Mr Zheng encouraged inclusive communication to foster collaboration among various cultures.

Second, he discussed the importance of acknowledging both the commonalities and differences among civilisations, advocating a united approach to tackle global challenges.

By emphasising shared human values, he called for collective efforts to overcome barriers and enrich civilisational exchanges.

He also stressed the importance of innovation and continuity in cultural development, stating that the evolution of civilisations relied on learning from history while embracing new ideas.

“The innovative transformation of traditional cultures is essential in our modernising world,” Zheng stated.

He also called for genuine dialogue and cooperative engagement as crucial for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship among nations.

Mr Zheng reiterated China’s commitment to promoting civilisational dialogue, mentioning the establishment of an international day dedicated to such discussions, which had earned global support.

About 400 people, including political leaders, experts and scholars from multiple countries, heads of international and non-governmental organisations, as well as Chinese Government representatives, attended the ceremony.

Other international guests also delivered speeches at the event, highlighting the three major global initiatives.

They included the Global Civilisation Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which contributes to greater mutual understanding and exchanges among different civilisations.

The highlight of the event was the showcasing of cultural dances and exhibits to show the historical significance of Dunhuang.

(NAN)