Global legislators stress enhanced cooperation

People participating in the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges visit the Memorial Hall of the First CPC National Congress in Shanghai on Monday. CHINA DAILY

Lawmakers from various countries gathered in Shanghai for the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges on Tuesday, advocating enhanced global cooperation to tackle shared challenges.

The forum, organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together over 40 current and former legislators from five continents. The annual event aims to provide a platform for legislative exchanges and the strengthening of friendly relations among participating nations.

This year's forum, with the theme "Revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development", consisted of eight sub-forums focusing on pressing global issues such as economic recovery, global security, climate change and environmental protection.

A special dialogue with European legislators highlighted the significance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals.

Throughout the discussions, participating legislators emphasized the need to foster cooperation between nations to address global concerns. Waleed Ali Almansoori, a member of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, stressed the importance of joint efforts in tackling climate change.

"Solutions to tackle climate change depend on us as legislators, politicians and experts from around the world, and this forum is an important opportunity to exchange experiences and expertise and build partnerships," he said.

Sierra Leone lawmaker Benjamin Turay underscored the role of dialogue and mutual understanding in promoting global security and peace. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to address various security threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, climate change and pandemics.

"By working together, nations can more effectively combat these challenges and build a safer, more peaceful world for future generations," he said.

Spyridon Kyriakis, a member of the Greek parliament, reflected on the unprecedented challenges the world has faced in recent years, and advocated stronger global partnerships to facilitate development.

"Over the past few years, the world has faced unprecedented challenges that have tested the resilience of our economies, the efficacy of our institutions and the strength of our global partnerships," he said. "However, these challenges also present us with unique opportunities to rethink, rebuild and renew our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth."

Austrian lawmaker Harald Troch emphasized the importance of economic ties between China and Europe. "We should follow a way of cooperation because the economic ties between China and Europe are already so close that we need the cooperation," Troch said. "There is no alternative to cooperation."

Before the forum, the legislators spent two days exploring Shanghai's cultural and economic landscape, visiting notable sites such as SAIC's new energy vehicle factory, the Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve and the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee Meeting Hall. Their itinerary also included a tour of the iconic Shanghai Tower and a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River.

For Sherry Rehman, a Pakistani senator and vice-president of the Pakistan People's Party, the visit to Shanghai was enlightening.

"Every time I come to Shanghai, there is something new and eyeopening," she said. "It's never the same journey."

Rehman said she was particularly impressed by the history of the Communist Party of China after visiting the Memorial Hall of the First CPC National Congress.

"The exhibit has been an outstanding experience," she said. "Not only is it beautifully curated, but the story that is told is very moving.

"It engages all viewers in understanding the different journeys China has been through - its struggles, achievements and milestones. All of them are part of a real global power, providing a new template for countries seeking hope in regeneration and innovation.

"What is so outstanding is that the country keeps adapting to the future and never remains static."

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