Mr. President,

This year marks the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. At the outset, I would like to thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for its initiative to discuss this issue in the United Nations. My thanks also go to the Group of Eminent Persons on Dialogue among Civilizations, selected by the Secretary-General, for its contribution, Which is very useful to the deliberations of this item.

Mr. President,

In the long process of its development, mankind has created diversified civilizations, which have served to enhance in no small ways the progress of the human society. Due to the differences in historical background, geographical conditions and cultural tradition, human civilizations have demonstrated much diversity and dissimilarity through their development. The diversity and dissimilarity have in return made their exchange and blending an inexorable historical trend as well as a necessity for their self-improvement and continued development. It is in this process that the human society has achieved continuous progress and development.

Mr. President,

In the history of mankind, there have been circumstances where one civilization would repel and attempt to force one set of values upon others. However, such attempts have all ended up in failure because they are against the historical trend of human development. History has demonstrated that there is nothing to be worried about the differences and disputes among civilizations. Rather, we should adopt a proper attitude towards them. There are no superior or inferior civilizations in this world. On the contrary, they are equal. The peaceful coexistence and common development of different civilizations can only be achieved through their learning and benefiting from each other on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

Mr. President,

Profound changes are taking place in the current international situation. With the further multi-polarization of the world situation, economic globalization and the rapid development of technology, mankind faces unprecedented opportunities for development as well as a series of global issues such as environmental deterioration, terrorism, refugees, poverty and the widening of the gap between the North and the South. Under these circumstances, countries should demonstrate a broader mind and vision to conduct the dialogue among civilizations and solve various disputes and differences by peaceful means. We should demonstrate goodwill to respect and live with different civilizations, promote the development of the cream of human civilizations and stand up together to the challenges of economic globalization, so as to establish relations of equality, mutual benefit, mutual trust and cooperation among countries and achieve lasting peace, stability and prosperity in all countries.

Mr. President,

The September 11 terrorist attack on the United States was a barbarous destruction of human lives and a serious threat to international peace and security. It has nothing in common with human civilization. The fight launched by the international community against terrorism, which is not a conflict among different races, religions or cultures but a fight between justice and evil, civilization and barbarism. All countries should shoulder their responsibility to fight against terrorism of all manifestations.

Mr. President,

The United Nations, as the sole universal international organization, represents the diversity of civilizations of the world and is a forum for all different civilizations. It plays an irreplaceable role in promoting the dialogue among civilizations. In this context, I would like to make a few points as follows.

First, in the political dimension, the UN should conduct the dialogue among civilizations so as to remove the negative impact of the Cold-War mentality on international relations, promote the principle of democracy and equality in international affairs and push forward the establishment of a just and equitable new international political order.

Second, in the economic sphere, the United Nations should conduct the dialogue among civilizations so as to obtain a full knowledge about the difficulties and problems that countries face, developing countries in particular, in the process of economic globalization, formulate an effective global economic cooperation strategy in accordance with the historical conditions and socioeconomic realities of different countries and regions and enable people of different civilizations to benefit from globalization, creating a win-win situation.

Third, in the social and cultural field, the United Nations should raise the awareness in the international community to respect and promote the diversity of civilizations, enhance the protection of cultural relics, use modern and advanced means to spread and further develop the advanced and progressive contents of human civilizations, encourage people of all countries, especially the youth, to carry out cultural exchange of all forms, so as to create a broader prospect for the development of diversified civilizations in the world.

Mr. President,

China has always attached importance to the strengthening of exchange and dialogue among countries and civilizations. Last February, the Chinese Delegation attended the Conference on Dialogue among Civilizations held in Iran, at which it stated the views and positions of the Chinese Government on this issue. Last September, Doctor Song Jian, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Chinese member of the United Nations Group of Eminent Persons on Dialogue among Civilizations, presided over the Twenty-first Century Forum-Symposium on Dialogue among Civilizations in Beijing. The Symposium carried out comprehensive and in-depth discussions focusing on three topics: "the role of exchange among civilizations in promoting human historical development", "the effect of dialogue among civilizations on the development of international relations," and "the role of the United Nations in promoting dialogue among civilizations". The summary of the Symposium has already been distributed as an official document of this session of the UN General Assembly under the item of "Dialogue among Civilizations"(A/56/471). The Chinese Government and people stand ready to continue to make even greater contributions to the strengthening of dialogue and exchange among civilizations as well as peace, progress and prosperity of the world.

Thanks for your attention.