CPPCC Chairman Meets Iranian PresidentLi Ruihuan, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said Friday that Iranian President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami's advocacy of dialogue between civilizations as "far-sighted."This call accords with the trend of time, and has therefore evoked extensive and positive responses in the international community, said Li when he met with Khatami this afternoon. Civilization features diversity, and every civilization is well- grounded for its existence and development, Li said. Despite the fact that different civilizations have diverged or clashed with each other over thousands of years of human history, the mainstream for them is exchanges, learning from each other and merging with each other, Li added. At the moment when all civilizations, without exception, are faced with the question of improving and developing themselves, it is a pressing and necessary task for different civilizations to expand exchanges and promote dialogue between them, he added. Li further pointed out that any expression of discrimination, contempt or hostility toward a different civilization, deriving from excessive self-pride, can only bring harm to the harmony and stability of the world. Only by learning from each other on the basis of mutual respect can human civilization maintain its luster, he noted, adding that he hoped that China and Iran, both countries boasting splendid civilizations, will join hands to build brighter prospects for human civilization. China and Iran have a long traditional friendship, and the Silk Road bridged the two countries in ancient times, said Li, noting that strengthening Sino-Iranian relations tallies with the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples. Khatami agreed that both Iran and China, as nations with ancient civilizations, have similarities. The Silk Road promoted not only trade, but also exchanges and friendship between China and other countries, including Iran, he said, adding that Iran hopes to work together with China to push bilateral relations to a new stage. |
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