Beijing, July 11th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of political heavyweights from Western European countries led by Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium. 

Liu said, the successful holding of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting is an important measure to implement the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while all sorts of challenges are emerging. The role of civilizations is becoming increasingly prominent. Through dialogue among civilizations, mutual understanding can be enhanced, differences can be bridged, and conflicts can be reduced. China and the European Union (EU) are two major civilizations that advocate diversity. Both sides should promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, reject conflicts among civilizations, and find a way for civilizations to coexist in harmony, so as to benefit both China and the EU and the human society. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China-EU relations are facing new opportunities for development. China is willing to work with the EU to remain each other’s partners, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogue with political parties in European countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust. 

The EU side said, the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping advocates respecting the diversity of civilizations and upholding the equality of civilizations, which is of great significance to the world today. It is very glad to see that since the initiative was proposed, China has launched many specific measures and the United Nations has designated June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. The current international situation is full of turbulence, and one of the roots is the divergence in cultural identity. Against this background, the holding of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting is very timely. All parties should strengthen exchanges and dialogue and solve problems in a constructive way. The EU-China relations once had a "golden era". Although there are some differences between the two sides at present, they have broader common interests and should adhere to seeking common ground while reserving differences, strengthen positive exchanges and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Carole Bureau-Bonnard, former First Vice President of the French National Assembly, Gloria Elizo, former Vice President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, Georgios Katrougkalos, former Foreign Minister of Greece, José Luis Centella, President of the Communist Party of Spain, Charalambos Christodoulou, Vice-President of EDEK Socialist Party, Hannes Fellner, Vice President of Austria-China Friendship Association, and others attended the meeting.