Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday hailed the long-term dedication and contribution of international friends to cementing friendship with China.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with foreign guests attending the China International Friendship Conference which also marked the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Beijing.
"Today is the Chinese traditional festival, Double Ninth Festival, which symbolizes respect for the elderly and family reunions. I'm very happy to gather with you to talk about friendship. The key to state-to-state relations lies in close bonds between peoples. All of you here have long been dedicated to the development of friendship with China and are good and old friends of the Chinese people. You have traveled great distances, crossing mountains and seas, all for the sake of this important friendship and the great cause of mutual goodwill among people. I highly appreciate this," said Xi.
Attendees spoke highly of China's role in the international community, lauded China's efforts in poverty alleviation and stressed the importance of establishing friendship among different cultures.
"Your Belt and Road Initiative has also provided significant momentum for global peace and stability, reflects China's visionary approach to global governance, and demonstrates the nation's active responsibility," former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo told Xi.
"As a nation, China has transformed itself from poverty, and China's rapid development has been a beacon of hope for many developing nations," said Pokin Polakul, former President of Thai parliament.
"The history of Kuliang tells us that people from different countries and cultures, all with differences, can build a friendship together and pass it on from generation to generation. You need to spread the seeds of friendship in people's hearts, before it can grow into a mature relationship," said Elyn MacInnis, lead researcher of the Kuliang Tourism and Culture Research Association.
Xi hails long-term dedication of int'l friends to cementing friendship with China
Xi hails long-term dedication of int'l friends to cementing friendship with China
