Chinese FM puts forward four proposals on boosting CICA cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward four proposals on boosting cooperation among member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on Thursday while attending the Seventh Summit of the CICA. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the CICA is a platform for dialogue and cooperation initiated and jointly built by Asian countries. Since its establishment, the CICA has actively championed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, systematically advanced cooperation on confidence building measures, consistently practiced multilateralism, and worked tirelessly to strengthen the foundation of trust for peace and security in Asia. China highly appreciates Azerbaijan's efforts during its CICA chairmanship to advance CICA cooperation, and stands ready to continue its strong support for and active participation in the CICA process, Wang said. Amid accelerating changes unseen in a century, only by fostering a sense of community with a shared future, standing on the right side of history, and upholding solidarity and cooperation can Asian countries stand at the forefront of the times, turn crises into opportunities and jointly create a better future, he said. Wang put forward four proposals: First, jointly safeguard peace and stability. Asia does not need a Cold War mentality and does not welcome bloc confrontation. Asia's problems should ultimately be addressed by the people of Asia through solidarity and cooperation, and Asia's security should be ensured by upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Second, jointly promote prosperity and revitalization. Development is the master key to solving all problems. Efforts should be made to better align high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the development initiatives of various countries, safeguard an open environment for cooperation, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, ensure the stable and efficient operation of international transport corridors, and strengthen supply security for critical raw materials, energy resources and food, so that Asian countries can work together to accelerate their progress toward modernization. Third, jointly promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Asia is the continent with the greatest diversity of civilizations....