President Xi Jinping's speech at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum on Tuesday highlights multilateralism and win-win cooperation, bringing China and CELAC member countries closer, said participants from Latin American countries.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday, President Xi delivered a keynote speech, calling for deepened cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, garnering wide appreciation among LAC experts and politicians.
"We have carefully listened to President Xi's speech and are delighted to embrace the five major programs he proposed to promote cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. These constructive initiatives, as President Xi said, will surely make greater contributions to the development, win-win cooperation, and peace of the people of our countries. This fills us with optimism and hope, and will also boost the technological development of our countries, bringing us closer together and enhancing mutual understanding," said Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to Nicaraguan President on Investment, Trade and International Cooperation.
Xi's speech suggests a world order of justice, equality, and multilateralism, which envisions wider cooperation between China and LAC countries, Clement Rohee, Former Guyanese Foreign Minister, pointed out.
"Suggestion that was made by President Xi, or the vision, I should say, that was provided by President Xi, is one that holds great optimism for the future of China-Latin America cooperation. We have to have a world that is based on a true governance that is based on multilateralism. Minilateralism is becoming something of the past, and the path or the pathway that China is suggesting, that is to say, a system of governance based on justice and equality," said Clement.
As the cooperation and collaboration are expected to cover wider aspects, China has been and will continue to be a reciprocal partner of LAC countries, said Edgar Tello, a Peruvian Congressman.
"The leadership of President Xi Jinping is of great significance to the development and progress of each country. It enables the natural resources of Latin American and Caribbean countries to complement the technology of China, which will generate more job opportunities and stimulate the economy," said Edgar.
CELAC Forum participants speak highly of Xi's speech
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
