ISLAMABAD/ ANKARA:
China is investing over $400 billion in nearly 600 projects across theMuslim world under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Chinese foreignminister said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)foreign minister in Islamabad, Wang Yi said Beijing has close ties withMuslim world based on respect and mutual cooperation.
“China will continue to stand firmly on the side of the Palestinian peopleand support the early convening of a more authoritative and representativeinternational peace conference on the basis of the two-state solution so asto promote a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue,”Wang said, according to the transcript of his speech released by Pakistan’sInformation Ministry.
Referring to the long-standing dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, he said todayhe “heard the call of many Islamic friends” over the issue, adding thatBeijing “share the same aspiration.”
About the war between Russia and Ukraine, Wang said that China supportspeace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
“We need to prevent humanitarian disasters and prevent the spillover of theUkrainian crisis from affecting or harming the legitimate rights andinterests of other regions and countries,” he added.
He also spoke about the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and saidBeijing would support Afghanistan in achieving inclusive government andsteady governance to open a new chapter of peace and reconstruction.
“China is ready to work with Islamic countries to promote a multi-polarworld, democracy in international relations and diversity of humancivilizations, and make unremitting efforts to build a community with ashared future for mankind,” Wang concluded.
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UN chief praises OIC
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message said that theUN enjoys close relationship with OIC based on trust and solidarity.
“We are working together to counter the challenges that abound, from thewar in Ukraine and its global ramifications to growing inequalities andproliferating assaults on human rights,” the UN chief said.
Guterres added that the two organizations have worked together to nurture aculture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
He praised the OIC’s role and said that in recent years, they havesuccessfully deepened their collaboration on key areas of mutual concern –including mediation, countering terrorism, preventing violent extremism,combatting anti-Muslim hatred, and promoting religious tolerance.
“Only together, in unity with partners at all levels, we can confrontshared challenges and create a better future for all,” the UNsecretary-general added. – Anadolu Agency
