A key Chinese lawmaker on Monday urged world parliamentarians to build a harmonious world through taking an active part in international affairs at the 114th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly held in Nairobi.

 

Cheng Siwei, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, told world parliamentarians that peace and development are the two major issues of the times and mankind has a long way to go in addressing them. He urged parliamentarians to work hard to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

 

"With global industrial restructuring and accelerated flow and transfer of production factors, countries are linked by ever closer economic ties and greater interdependence. World economic development is now in an important period of opportunities," Cheng said in general debate on the political, economic and social situation in the world.

 

"At the same time, considerable destabilizing and uncertain factors and traditional security threats still exist, and nontraditional security threats, such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pollution, natural disasters and infectious diseases, have become prominent. The negative impact of economic globalization is more evident and the North-South gap is widening," said the leader of the Chinese delegation to the IPU assembly.

 

Cheng asked his colleagues all over the world to try their best to make true the dream of harmonious world.

 

"We, parliamentarians of all countries, should not only pay attention to domestic issues but also set our sights on the world. We should take an active part in international affairs to foster a sound external environment for the development of our respective countries and, in the meantime, make due contributions to world peace and development," he said.

 

The Chinese parliamentarian leader gave suggestions on the issue. All countries should adhere to the universally recognized international law and the basic norms of international relations. Uphold multilateralism, promote democratization of international relations and safeguard the right of all countries to equal participation in international affairs. Seek resolution of disputes and conflicts through peaceful means like dialogue, consultation and negotiation. Endeavor to ease the imbalance in development and establish an open, equitable and rules-based multilateral trade system. Acknowledge the differences in cultural tradition and values and advocate mutual respect, learning from each other and common development in the cultural field.

 

Cheng said China is a member of the international community and its interests are connected with the interests of other countries.

 

"We are ready to make continuous efforts with the international community, the member states of the IPU included, to safeguard world peace and promote common development," he concluded.

 

The IPU, the world organization of parliaments normally holds its assemblies twice a year, once in a designated host country among its members and once at its headquarters in Geneva.

 

About 1,500 legislators from around the world are meeting in Kenya this week for broad discussions on weapons proliferation, women's rights and global environmental issues.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2006)