Distinguished chair,

 

Respected delegates,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, friends:

 

      It's a great pleasure to meet all of you in the golden autumn of beautiful Baku, and attend the "Dialogue of Civilizations: Role of Political Parties" International Conference. This conference is an important platform for political parties of various countries to exchange political thoughts and seek political consensus, as well as enhance understanding and trust. It will exert a positive influence on exchanges among different civilizations. I'd like to take this opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to the organizers - the New Azerbaijan Party!

 

      We have on this planet more than 200 countries and regions, and over 1,000 ethnic groups. Due to different natural conditions and development experiences, diverse ways of life, values, religions and cultural traditions have taken form. The diversity of world civilization is not only a basic characteristic of human society, but also an important driving force behind its progress. From the historical perspective of the development of human society, the mainstream of development has always been mutual dependence, mutual learning, assimilation and promotion of diverse civilizations.

 

      In today's world, peace and development remain the themes of the time, while economic globalization is gathering speed, science and technology are leaping forward, links between countries and regions are becoming ever closer. On the one hand, this phenomenon has provided conditions for the enhancement of exchanges between civilizations and development opportunities for some countries and regions; on the other hand, some others have seen disputes, conflicts and even wars due to differences in ethnicity, religion and values. Against such a background, the promotion of dialogue among different civilizations has an important bearing. We believe that such a dialogue is conducive to better understanding amongst peoples of various cultural backgrounds, and can help resolve differences, settle disputes peacefully and promote lasting peace and stability in the world.

 

      This kind of dialogue is beneficial for countries to uphold principles of democracy and equality, establish friendly and cooperative relations of mutual trust and benefit, as well as achieve shared development on the basis of "seeking common ground while putting aside differences".

 

      Currently, the status and function of political parties in the social and political life of their respective countries are rising, and they play a unique role in such areas as enhancing people-to-people friendship and furthering state-to-state ties. In the dialogue among civilizations, there is also a key role that political parties can play.

 

      First and foremost, political parties - as dominant forces in the social and political life of the country - are major vehicles carrying forward different civilizations and social trend of thoughts in all countries and regions. They have the responsibility and capability to foster exchanges between diverse cultures.

 

      Secondly, that political parties of different ideologies exchange opinions on major issues of common interest such as the promotion of inter-cultural communication is in itself an important channel for world civilization to engage in dialogue.

 

      Thirdly, party diplomacy is rich in content and flexible in form. The strengthening of inter-party dialogue on civilization can help all countries enrich and develop their own civilization by learning from great achievements made by other societies in the world.

 

      Fourthly, ever-growing international organizations of political parties of all types have become not only bridges between political parties and politicians of different countries, but also platforms on which world civilizations can communicate with each other. Mr. Chair and fellow delegates!

 

      We have every reason to believe, that as long as political parties can transcend ideological differences and jointly explore rules guiding inter-civilization exchanges, we can surely contribute to a harmonious world where diverse civilizations can live and develop together. For that purpose, we propose to:

 

      First of all, play the unique role of political parties and promote dialogue among civilizations. Different countries and parties of different ideologies should boost exchanges on political thoughts, and increase understanding and trust.

 

      Second, call for openness and tolerance, and expand the consensus in respecting cultural diversity. Difference between civilizations should be recognized, and the right of countries to choose their own social system and road of development should be respected.

 

      Third, strengthen exchanges on governance and realize rejuvenation of civilizations together. Countries should be encouraged to conform to the development trend of human society based on their national conditions and learning from all the successful experiences of other civilizations.

 

 

Mr. Chairman and delegates!

 

      As is known to all, China is an ancient civilization. A vital reason for her to maintain dynamism after 5000 years of development is her tolerance and innovative spirit that has had enabled her to learn from others. As the leader in China's revo­lution and construction, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has inherited fine traditions of the Chinese civilization, and is endeavoring to enrich it with new thoughts and spirit of the time. Today, the CPC, proceeding from China's national conditions and realities, is learning extensively from others' achievements, while adhering to scientific, harmonious and peaceful development. Internally, it is deepening reform, and is committed to building a harmonious society of democracy and rule of law, of fairness and justice, of integrity and fraternity, of vigor and order, and a society in which man and nature coexist harmoniously. Externally, it follows the independent foreign policy of peace, and is committed to building a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity. China not only seeks a peaceful international environment as a means for her own development, but also uses her development as a way to preserve world peace and promote common development. No matter at present or in the future, China's development is never a threat to any other country; in fact, it offers more development opportunities and space for the world. The CPC is willing to work with all political parties in the world to make more contribution to the dialogue and exchanges among civilizations.

 

      Dear friends! One note is not sufficient to make an appealing melody, and one color is not enough to paint a beautiful picture. Human civilization has never been a single uniformity. The world itself is a splendid academy of art, and all unique cultures created by world peoples are its treasures. The strengthening of inter-civilization dialogue and the building of a harmonious world fall on our shoulders as a common historical responsibility. Let's work hand-in-hand relentlessly for the realization of this dream, which we all share and cherish!

 

      Finally I wish this conference a complete success!

     

      Thank you!