Socialist International calls for closer ties on global issues with China

From: The People's Daily Online

Socialist International (SI) hopes to promote closer relationship with the Communist Party of China (CPC) on both regional and global issues, SI president George A. Papandreou said in Beijing on May 15.

Papandreou is leading a 15-member delegation to Beijing for a sustainable growth seminar jointly sponsored by CPC and SI.

“We plan to establish partnership with China on both regional and global issues of strategic importance, particularly in sustainable development and the exchanges of party practices. SI represents 170 parties in the world, and 50 of them are in government. We also want to draft a recommendation paper to leaders in Copenhagen when they meet at the end of this year on the issue of sustainable development,” Papandreou said in an exclusive interview with People’s Daily Online.

Voices of developing countries need strengthening

Since its establishment in 1951, SI has been strengthening the United Nations (UN). Papandreou said the world is now in a period in which issues are all global. One corner of the world affects the other corner. The rapid globalization process is often accompanied by the negative phenomenon such as conflict and violence, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the current A H1N1 outbreak. “We need to have a stronger UN, which can ensure an equal voice for all, and truly represent the interests of all the regions and countries,” he noted.

According to Papandreou, SI would like to see the voice of the developing countries strengthened, because the world’s major institutions, especially the financial institutions have been dominated by developed countries. Therefore the needs and voices of emerging economies have very often been neglected.

“If you want to combat issues such as poverty, equality and want to have a sense of justice, you need to have a more equitable and representative system at global level within the UN and other global financial institutions,” Papandreou added.

Development of Sino-Greece relations

“This is a very important relation for us. We (Greece and China) are two countries of different size but both rich in cultural heritage,” Papandreou said. The 2008 Olympic Games offered a good opportunity to draw the two countries together. He said Greece is very proud that the Chinese people have hosted a splendid Olympic Games in a magnificent way. It’s very moving for Greeks to see how their tradition was interpreted and given new meaning by another culture.

Papandreou also expressed his sympathy and solidarity for the earthquake China suffered last year. “We have particular sensitivity in that we are a country with frequently earthquakes. I would like to express my solidarity to the Chinese people and their effort in disaster relief and post-quake construction,” he added.

Bilateral relations between the two countries have also experienced tremendous progress. Papandreou said he followed the tradition of his father. “Bilateral relations have been further enhanced following my father’s visit to China in 1986 when he was Greek Prime Minister and during which time he also met with late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1986. Recently, I was honored to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and was able to discuss several issues with him.“ He said he was confident that Greece and China can further enhance trade, tourism and cultural relations, and he looks forward to welcoming further relations between Chinese and Greece.

By People's Daliy Online