China's development path demonstrates that countries in the Global South are fully capable of becoming a central force in shaping the global order, former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri said at the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on Thursday.
"I see China as a model to be emulated. A country that once joined the Bandung Conference has now risen as a major political and economic power on the world stage. This progress shows that countries of the Global South, those once seen as peripheral, have the capacity to become central players in shaping the global order," said the former Indonesian president.
"We uphold the philosophy of unity in diversity, which teaches us that diversity is a strength, not a threat. We also believe in a spirit of mutual cooperation, which helps humanity face global challenges and uplift the dignity of all people equally. In this same spirit, I warmly welcome and strongly support the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping during the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting held on March 15, 2023. This initiative makes a meaningful contribution to creating a more just, inclusive and harmonious world," she said.
The Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting opened in Beijing on Thursday. Themed "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the two-day event drew over 600 guests from 140 countries and regions.
China's rise proves Global South can shape world order: former Indonesian president
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
