Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday called for enhanced international cooperation to promote sci-tech innovation and better benefit humanity.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when he attended and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Ding said that China has been working with all parties to continuously implement the science and technology innovation cooperation plan under the Belt and Road Initiative, injecting strong impetus into the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
He called for enhanced solidarity and cooperation to earnestly implement the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative and promote sci-tech innovation and better benefit humanity.
Ding called for efforts to further strengthen the open cooperation in scientific and technological innovation and jointly explore a new model of global scientific and technological cooperation that is mutually beneficial and leads to win-win outcomes. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of supporting relevant research institutions, universities, enterprises and think tanks of various countries to establish cooperation networks, and to work together to solve major scientific and technological problems.
All parties should further promote the inclusive sharing of scientific and technological achievements, enhance the accessibility of science and technology, and make the achievements of sci-tech innovation better benefit all countries, especially those in the Global South, he said.
All parties should further expand exchanges in science, technology and culture, strengthen innovation partnerships, and widely carry out various forms of exchanges such as mutual visits, student exchanges, technical training and academic conferences, he said.
Ding also urged further improvement of the global governance system for science and technology to properly address potential conflicts of rules, social risks and ethical challenges brought by the development of science and technology. He also highlighted the need to oppose politicizing sci-tech cooperation and overstretch the concept of security.
Iran's Vice-President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin, Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Marina Ragus also attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
About 1,500 people, including Chinese and international sci-tech professionals, business leaders, government officials and representatives of international organizations, attended the opening ceremony.
Chinese vice premier calls for international sci-tech cooperation
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
